When the history of English football’s coronavirus crash and the free-spending era that preceded it is written, some numbers will stand out.
Mino Raiola’s £41million — his cut of Paul Pogba’s transfer to Manchester United; the 30 per cent deferral that Premier League clubs could not agree with their squads; the £752m it was feared was owed to the broadcasters if the season could not be completed; and £350,000.
Mesut Ozil’s weekly wage at Arsenal — the one he refused to reduce despite weeks of negotiation. He was not alone, of course.