Champions4ever said:bunch of jokers - you guys sound as though you're paying 17 million out of your own pocket. Who the hell cares what we pay for him? Its Glazer's money and he is already in the hole for a lot more so a few extra millions over Carrick's supposedly "true" value is really not a big deal. It's also a moot point that Jol got him for 2.5 million 2 seasons ago. Risk Vs. Reward - Jol took a risk signing him at that stage in his career and now that others have seen that Carrick's got potential Jol is getting rewarded for it.
All those thinking they could have got Mascherano for a "few more $s" are also speaking out of their arse - I'm sure if he was available for a reasonable price we would have gone in for him.
As I see it Carrick is a definite improvement over Fletcher, OShea etc
he would have been another 7 or so mill on top