We've been inconsistent at best in using this model as a business strategy. We've had some noticeable successes with Matt O'Riley, Moussa Dembelle, Ajer etc.
But the lists of failed "project players" is long, from Barkas, Odin Holm to Soros amongst so many others. It was always a high risk strategy, but when the number of failures out number the successes by such a large ratio the continued decline of the quality of the squad is inevitable which will lead to the erosion of the clubs finances.
I don't believe it's inevitable. The model can work if you have a high level of recruitment and a world class scouting department that can react faster than other clubs when they spot a player that is undervalued. Have the resources to beat any competitors to the signature of talented players. We don't have any of that and in truth we've been fairly lucky with the successes we've had.
But it's becoming more and more competitive. Every club in world football outside the truly elite want this to be their model and the clubs that are selling them are quick to correct the value of their young players. What we think will be a easy £4 million prospect can quickly become a 15 million battle with the likes of Brighton or Wolves for a signature of a prospect that may not even be a first team regular.
So where does this leave us in regards to the player trading model?