Like many on here, I assumed the previously unplanned January signings were intended to 'save the season'. A proven player must mean someone who has racked up significant PL or equivalent games and preferably an established international. Because of the sick notes at CB, Walker's mental melt down and the Rodri's ACL we had to buy two proven defenders, a proven CDM. Also, if possible a 2nd striker to allow some rotation for Erling, so we don't flog him to death.
The targets in the public domain just don't match that profile and appear to be related to the medium longer term need to rebuild the ageing squad. Our transfer windows over the last 2 to 3 years have placed us in this mess and it looks like we are about to botch up another window.