I don't think so. Look at Tottenham's purchase of Janssen. Do you think he was told he'd have an equal chance of starting as Harry Kane? Or that he legitimately thought he had a chance of usurping his starting role? No. He comes in, knows he'll be played as a sub, hopes he performs and gets a chance to play alongside him or gets a good run of matches if Kane misses out due to injury. And that from a highly coveted striker.
Players understand when they come in to a big club that they'll have to fight hard to earn a starting role unless told otherwise. Some are content with that because of age (young or old), ability, return from injury or a bad spell at another club. It's basic logic. A squad must be bigger than 11 players; therefore, not everyone will start. Players understand that, too.