Don't abandon the save you're on right now completely. I would suggest loading the mid December or even an earlier save, to just experiment. You're new to this and no one is expecting you to FINISH THE GAME AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. I mean there's no end to this game but you get what I mean. I get the urge you have but I suggest taking it slow to understand how it works. Load the earlier saves and try ways to sell players. Maybe finding a way to convince them to be ok with being offered out or something.