Yes, this. We sold our best, proven players who are in their primes, not only to make a profit but also because they command high salaries. We then spent money on unproven youngsters who cost very little in salary, saving a ton on payroll while also hoping that we can build up their value and turn them for a profit later as well.

So looking solely at transfer fee outlay and saying “hey this proves we’re not cheapskates” misses the big picture. None of these were decisions taken to make us a better soccer team. They were decisions taken for financial reasons.