Under Rafa we bought lots of dross playres in the £3m - £5m region, but also made more on sales. Under Bruce, we spent a lot more on individual players, but hardly recouped anything back in player sales. But as you say, that's partly chance as neither had final say.
Rafa did have final say on transfers, it was in his contract. It's why Fat Mike was dying to get rid of him
Because Joselu was always his number one target. He may have said yes or no on individual players but no way were they his first or even second choices for almost all players purchased. In fairness to the Clown the same applied to him ie not having a proper say on transfers.
Rafa had control over players, he had no control over budget and Joselu wasn't his first choice striker he was bought as back up to Dwight Gayle who was his first choice considering we were in the Championship. He also bought Mat Selz, remember him? This centuries Super Duper Hooper? Jesus Gamez, Grant Hanley, Issac Haydon, Jacob ****ing Murphy for £15m Achraf Lazar, Daryl Murphy and Atsu (loan initially)
This guy is the real deal mate. If we sign him it’s a good signing. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/goncalo-ramos/profil/spieler/550550
It’s his internal state that make me excited. He is also 6ft 1. And he has just scored a hat-trick in 42 minutes in a champions league game.
If you watch the YouTube video I put up he scores a lot of goals with his head. Something Wood can’t seem to do. Appreciate your right it’s an easier league but still. The talent is there.