Aston Villa transfer chief Monchi has admitted academy players were sold to comply with Financial Fair Play.
Villa are making a big push to back manager Unai Emery to win a trophy in the next two seasons.
However, spending a lot of money on first team players means the books must be balanced.
Monchi admits that raising 40 million from selling fringe and youth players was important.
It has been a very complicated and hard-working summer, but I think we should be satisfied with what we have done, as we have kept all the important players plus the arrival of the five," Monchi said on avfc.co.uk.
The sales have basically been to balance our FFP, but in most cases we have repurchase options, so I think we have covered our backs.
I am happy with the work we have done, and I want to congratulate all the people involved, especially Sharon and Damian and the entire Communications Department and Player Care Department."