Money well spent for the €50m club?

(CNN) -- World Sport reporter Pedro Pinto evaluates this summer's big transfer signings. These leading European clubs have all spent over €50 million but which clubs get a gold star and which must try harder?

I have been surprised by all the activity in the transfer market. After the constant talk of recession and clubs complaining about the inflated prices of players, I wasn't expecting some of Europe's top clubs to spend the money they have so far.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have already spent over €50 million. A number of other clubs are also well on their way to reaching that mark. So I figure it is time to grade the teams who are part of the 50 million club. Here we go:

Manchester United
Grade: B

The red devils are the top investor in the market. The purchases of Nani and Anderson alone cost €50 million, and Owen Hargreaves adds at least another €15 million. While the former Bayern Munich player is a strong addition to United's midfield and will enter Sir Alex Ferguson's starting XI, I don't see either Nani or Anderson making a big impact this season.

I have watched both youngsters in action for a couple of season in the Portuguese League and although they are very talented, their experience at the top level is still limited. Man Utd still need another striker and if they get Carlos Tevez, their grade will definitely rise to at least an A-!

Bayern Munich
Grade: A-

The Bavarians got quantity and quality in the transfer market. The club's board evidently did not appreciate the fact the team failed to make the Champions League and invested heavily this summer. Let's start with winger Franck Ribery, who was signed in a deal worth €26 million. He's fast and skilful and one of the top wide players in the world.

The midfield was also strengthened with the purchases of Jose Ernesto Sosa from Estudiantes and Marcell Jansen from Werder Bremen, and veteran Ze Roberto came back to the club from Santos. Don't think I have forgotten about the new forwards at the Allianz Arena: Luca Toni is a tall and powerful striker while Miroslav Klose is a proven goal scorer who will do the business for Bayern.

Liverpool
Grade: B+

In order to become a title contender in England, Liverpool needed to address several issues over the summer. The reds had to buy a top striker, a creative midfielder, and a winger. So far, they got forwards Fernando Torres, Andrei Voronin, Ryan Babel and midfielder Yossi Benayoun.

While the first three players are definitely good signings with El Nino (Fernando Torres) poised to become a Premier League star, I don't see Benayoun as a great addition to Liverpool's midfield. And... they still need another top winger. Apparently, the Anfield club is after Portuguese duo Simao Sabrosa and Ricardo Quaresma.

Barcelona
Grade: A

After losing out on the title race last season, the Blaugrana knew they needed some new faces at the Camp Nou to spice things up. The truth is there were a lot of players on the team last year who knew they had first-team places guaranteed and didn't have to work that hard to keep them. It will be a different story next season. Thierry Henry, still one of the top-5 forwards in the world, will be a fantastic addition to a side already boasting names like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Messi and Deco.

The French international will easily score over 20 goals next season and will turn Barca into the top contender for the league title. Although everyone is talking about Henry, we shouldn't forget about the other signings made by Frank Rijkaard. Gabriel Milito is a tough defender that will form a solid partnership with Carles Puyol while Eric Abidal will strengthen Barca's left back position. Watch out for Barcelona next season! Atletico

Madrid
Grade: B

The Colchoneros lost Torres, but they have made up for it by getting Diego Forlan, who actually has a better goal scoring record than El Nino. Atletico also got two Garcias who will definitely add more quality to the side. Winger Luis, and midfielder Raul from Liverpool and Osasuna respectively. Brazilian playmaker Cleber Santana will also give manager Javier Aguirre some extra options, but believe it or not, the club's biggest signing could still be on the way. Juan Roman Riquelme is in talks with the board and if he joins, Atletico's midfield will be a different class.

Finally, a couple of lines about traditional big spenders Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea. The Spanish giants are chasing Arjen Robben and could soon complete the signing of the Dutch winger, Inter have been more conservative but could still splash the cash on Christian Chivu, while Chelsea hope their new transfer policy will pay off. So far, the blues have only invested in Florent Malouda. E-mail to a friend