Perhaps we should be more like Chelsea and have 2,000 players out on loan. Personally I don't care what we let him go for, if he represents good value in today's market, then grab him back. Someone who already knows everything about the club and settles quickly has to represent something of a bonus.
Or be more like Liverpool, and have an academy which only develops young players who will never be good enough to play for a top club. What's Jay Spearing up to nowadays?
We are in the market for a defender. We find a good one and we need to pay £25m - case closed! He left two two years ago and developed himself well to earn a return. It is also important for them to mentally break away from the club and not as loaned reject. That is crucial for a player's development after they reach a certain ago.
Plus he is well regarded in the England set-up, so he will continue his club development on the international stage. Win win.