How much damage will ‘firesale’ leave behind?
The official definition of a firesale is: ‘a sale of goods remaining after the destruction of commercial premises by fire OR a sale of goods or assets at a very low price, typically when the seller is facing bankruptcy.’
Although last season felt pretty destructive, the Reds have never realistically been facing bankruptcy this summer so, in a way, new chairman Neerav Parekh was right in May went he said there would not be a firesale this summer.
Michael Duff has said that Barnsley turned down several for players this summer before the valuation was met. They have not been flogging to the first bidder in blind panic.
But they have still so far sold off top-scorers Carlton Morris and Cauley Woodrow, as well as Callum Brittain.
Michal Helik and Callum Styles are also expected to leave, although it is not clear who to, how much for or whether they will be involved in the opening games.
If they do leave, the transfer fees received this summer and the absence of big-earners such as Woodrow should cover the roughly £7-8million shortfall in revenue caused by dropping into League One.
But then what happens if they also receive a tempting offer for someone like goalkeeper Brad Collins or centre-back Mads Andersen? They have some back-up in both of those positions so may accept sizeable bids, leaving them without the majority of the players who, three months before, would have made up their best 11.
While it was time for some players to move on after their spells at the club went stale, a lot of quality, knowhow, character and experience has and will have left the building this summer which will not be easy to replace.