I know instances when a club just bought a "star player" on a recommendation. Another where they bought him after just watching a video montage. They didn't even watch an entire match. Just the best part of several matches. I bet on that they can get plenty of players look like a world class player in a montage.You have to assume that the people authorising the purchase actually saw them play and thought they were worth the money.
Having a good team who decide on what players to buy who also considers how the player would fit into the club is very important. But, unfortunately, that do seem to disappear when they have to much cash on hand. [:(]
Edit: And the transfer window closing when the club needs to buy new players and they have not been able to sign the players they wanted makes for strange purchases.
