With Beto, we signed him 29th Aug. Window shut 2 days later.
We had to sell that window first/make a profit and defer spend to later.
The season had started.
We were bottom of the league after 3 games, having not scored a goal.
Eventually we sign a player who was available for literally £0 upfront. There's not many of them.
We paid a premium for him under that arrangement, but we would never have signed him if hands weren't tied. If he was a priority he'd have been in earlier.
I think O'Brien was different - I think it was Textor shenanigans. He was never starting for us this season, we didn't need to spend that money on cover at centre half. It was reported he was a "recruitment team signing" - in other words, Dyche didn't want him.
It's the reality of significant migitating circumstances with Everton's recruitment challenges over the last 3-4 years, caused by ownership.
We've brought in players I dont think Thelwell, nevermind Dyche would have wanted the last few years. Harrison, just because a clause allows £0. Even the likes of Lindstrom - he was far down the list.
