Its a token oriented game of course, yes they are token buyers but it is possible to play and build a 5* squad without having to buy tokens, with just the in-game tv rights contract where it gives you 28-35 tokens per season, you need to be selective on which players you buy in the transfer market, older not top end 5*, extra tokens can be earned by watching videos and doing various sign up offers etc, but they are not available everywhere around the world. If you cant watch videos tokens become hard to come by but it is still possible to build a competitive squad but might not be the squad you need to win trophies season after season.