Of course it is sportswashing. If you believe that the Saudis are genuinely interested in the football side of things, then you probably still believe in the tooth fairy.
Its a vehicle they will use to park their money, watch it multiply and then leave with a vast amount added to an already staggering fortune.
Its likely to be enjoyable for the fans though. In a relatively short period of time, results have improved markedly, and the squad has improved noticeably.
It will be a slow build, and I think that is the right way to do it.
People expecting masses of expensive signings will be rightly disappointed, it just isn't going to happen, and nor do I want it to.
Commercial income has been appalling in comparison to other PL clubs, and we haven't received any decent money from player sales since selling Ayoze Perez years ago. You can't just go splurging millions immediately, it is unsustainable. The current, measured approach is more appealing.
I would be happy just with a top half finish this season, but even that will be very difficult. Its a very tough league. All teams constantly improve. The bar keeps getting set higher.