I knew we were skint, I thought we would be reinvesting most of the Richie money in the squad though. If his sale was just to balance the books and we’re planning on replacing him with some cheapie deals, we’re in worse trouble than I thought.
It is about what I expected.
We know have wage room. If we make additional sales, there will be money to spend (due to how the process works we won't be limited to the sale price to reinvest, but we will need the sales on the books), but the Richarlison money was just to get us out of the cellar.
Selling Kean is key as he represents the highest worth asset we won't miss. Sell him for 25 and then wriggle 25 more out of sales of Mina, Allan, Gomes, Gbamin and Ellis and we should be able to spend a bit. That could buy what we need if we can get a loan or two.
It is going to be a tough balance. We need assets that are not overpriced, will appreciate, but can contribute immediately to the first XI. Not easy on a budget.
Loan with obligations to buy may well work for us as next summer it should be easier to spend a bit. Other clubs will know that though and inflate the obligatory price.
Thus the interest in Erikson. If he signed we could have handled the wages and it saves a fee. Since he didn't we are moving on to Gibbs White and Gallagher types.
Similar at Striker. Borja on loan with an option makes sense. So does Boyo for ~12 million. Spending 20+ on Dennis less so.
I think there is evidence of a plan, but there are a lot of moving parts.