De Ligt and CR7 are quality, world class. I don't think anyone is disputing that but look at the cast of comedic support characters we have had to acquire to budget for these mammoth signings
Danilo, Rabiot, Can, Cancelo, Ramsey. It was visible two years ago, it was visible last year and it is visible this season that fullbacks and CMs are not good enough.
Also we acquired De Ligt because we paid a 19 y/o 12mil a year and gave him the release clause his fat agent demanded. Once again, I love De Ligt but pretending like it was some master negotiation to acquire him is laughable. We offered more than anyone else would've even considered offering.
The Arthur/ Pjanic swap is a great deal for us too but come on its only happening because Barfa's board has to do it.