Interesting. I like the idea of rewarding the squad if they make CL by not immediately chasing a star that would cut off someones' chances. Give it a campaign and see who's not up to it.
RE: Vice Pirlo. I don't think it even exists. Skill wise, you can find many but someone that can dictate the rhythms like him is freakish. The other problem is the 'vice' would be sitting on the bench so much, how could he really develop.
Better off just developing plan B with 2 all round CM's and if someone special appears in 2 years, get him.