I agree. He could be in his last 6 months of his contract and would still sign another one as long as he thought we were going in the right direction. That's all he's ever said he cares about.
I new contract now ties him up in the same situation he had before. Yes, he may get more money but he'd gain more than that from a signing on fee if he was a free transfer.
From who? He'll be 31 then. He doesn't want to leave england. Doubt city or liverpool would want him. Can't see him going chelsea or arsenal. So only really leaves utd and Saudi Sportswashing Machine that could pay more than us.
If we offer him a contract now of say an extra £100k a week and he refuses. The signing on fee of where ever he goes would have to be at least £10m more than what we'd have offered just to make up the loss.
So his choice. Sign a new contract with us. More money, secure till the twighlight of his career. Or risk it, that one of the top clubs want him at 31 and are willing to pay enough to make up the loss, that you don't get injured or have a loss of form.