I get your point, but the consideration should always be value, rather than just cost. I appreciate that there is going to be a massively diminishing sell-on value as the years tick by BUT (and I know it's a stretch given our recent transfers), a 29yo midfielder in good physical nick could have 4-5 years left at the top level so we'd be paying £6m-£7.5m per year, plus wages, for a player in a vital position in our squad to raise the level of the team overall.
If Carlo thinks he can get the lad in and playing then I'd be happy with that.