40m is his release clause, but if he's willing to leave and does his bit then sevilla would have accepted 35. Its not a lot from 40. Just like some here say 15m to 20m for Matuidi or 25m is not a lot either. These 5m increases apparently dont have much value.
Anyway to the point we didnt try, so we'll never know.
I think this is the type of player we needed. Someone to do the dirty work doesnt have to be fancy just break up play and play simple passes. Im not sure who else can do a better job of that for that kind of money.