As discussed before, that simply isn't entirely true, not in reality. For example, at City, Alvarez is not the same level as Haaland, yet City don't appear to be seeking someone the same level as Haaland to fight him for his spot. The best clubs sign some players at the top level they can, and some players at the next level down. I know you don't like that, but it's just how it works, and it needs to work like that in order for the players to sign.
Again as discussed previously, i'm not necessarily saying that doesn't mean we can't get VdV and Tapsoba - perhaps VdV is happy with the role he's been promised or whatever - but the idea that you only sign 'starters' is ludicrous (depending of course what you mean by starters - obviously every player you sign should be able to start a game competently when called upon - but won't necessarily be as capable as the preferred choice for that position). Pretty much every club has favoured players for most positions, then 2nd choice, then 3rd choice. That's just reality - as opposed to how it works on computer games.
