The notion on here - and I'm not saying you espouse it - seems to be that if you spend money on a big fee it equals a guaranteed success, with a quality player who never lets you down. Hence the cry 'we need to sign starters'. (Incidentally we did that with Kent and he's currently getting pelters from many on here because his 'numbers' are poor
).
You only need to look to the EPL to see that a big fee can still land you with a donkey. In fact, a quick look at the club across the city will tell you that throwing cash at it then thinking all will be well is a false premise. They've a list of expensive duds that cost a fortune.
Our success rate on transfers is reasonable. Could be better, could be a lot worse. Spending smart is better than spending big. For example, I don't think anyone would argue that Kamara has proven a better deal than Itten. Lundstram was a relative bargain in that there was no fee. However, in terms of overall cost he will prove a millstone around our necks and, of course, he's not performing as we'd want.