It does though. With Ronaldo going to Madrid is that a step up? In footballing terms, and imo, no. He is leaving the EPL Champions and CL finalists. As an alledged Madrid fan perhaps the heart strings (and obscene amounts of cash) and ambition to do with Madrid what he did with Utd is the reason he is going.
With Well-Clarkson-Cardiff this is totally different. Clarky has no ties to City....other than his good mate plays with them. Is Cardiff a step up? Without question. This sadly for us allows the bigger team to dangle the carrot in front of the player, get him unsettled, and get him for as cheap as possible. I know I'm in a minority here but I'd let Clarky go for £800,000. If that money went straight into the team what a difference that could make to next year.
EDIT: My point weeyin is that under contract or not.........they would be mad not to take £1m for him.