Football players are mercenaries, it's been like that for moons now. Notably, it's been mainly Spain and Italy in recent years. And now it's England, prize money, and television rights play a large part, not forgetting merchandising. It's supply and demand, nothing more, nothing less. Football clubs are not stupid, they balance the books much more business like now. There's no way they would spend the sort of numbers they are, without seeing a decent return for their investments. Unfortunately, this means your average supporter, is fast becoming a thing of the past, and is much more corporate. Hence the reason I don't go anymore, I've been priced out. It's more of an elitist sport now, no wonder atmosphere's are suffering as a consequence.