The situation at the end of this season until the end of Mercato did not have anything that could trigger the sales, IMO. We had financial problems continously until Elliot took over and there were still skeptism until the change of the ownership. We only managed to sign Higuain as major transfer while others were unknown players. On the last day of Mercato fans had hope that we could sign SMS and finally tell the world that Milan are back, but we know what happened.
Compared to last season, from financially poor club we turned to spending club by throwing 200 mil euros. Fans thought we were back and could buy any player (but failed again to land big names like Aubameyang). So, I do think, the belief of the fans here plays important of role. We just could not bring back the belief fans had last summer by only bringing Higuain with so many issues have not still overcomed.
Bringing Leo and Maldini back to Milan gain some hopes but all know what does matter is money. Without it, we almost can not do anything in transfer window (we won't able to reinforce the team and bring back the club to the position what the club should belong) and we don't have money from new owner like we had last season.