You can't judge him on a scale using what will likely be the record transfer for a PL player as the only reference point. As you move to the top of the market, the extra perceived % in a player's ability costs you a lot more.
Otherwise we may as well say is he 6250 times the player Harry Arter was?
Meanwhile, Rice has over 200 Premier League appearances, has won a European trophy, established himself as first choice in the England midfield with over 40 caps compared to a guy that has 80 Championship appearances and hasn't even broken into the England U21s yet. Scott may only be 19 but at the same age, Rice was making his debut for the full England team.
The Bellingham comparison is closer to realistic since they're both players with only Championship experience at this point in their career. On potential though, JB was streets ahead. He was 17 when he moved and would make his full England debut a few months later. Way, way ahead of where Scott is when AS is two years older.
He might turn out to be amazing and an absolute snip at that price but it loads a lot of the risk onto us. Look at how Lewis Cook's career has gone. It hasn't been bad by any means, but he hasn't lived up to the hype he had at Leeds and just after his move. Injuries have clearly played their part, which is in no way his fault, but that happens. Could happen to Scott as well.
The Brentford model, for example, tended towards agreeing lower fees where possible but including sell-on clauses. That way if they get a hit player both teams benefit when they move. For example, Exeter got a nice chunk from the Watkins move to Villa.
Let's be realistic. If he is as good as Bristol City are claiming we'll only be a stepping stone to give him PL experience before a move to a top six club. If it turns out the PL is tougher than they imagine (it is, but that doesn't mean he can't still be effective), then maybe he sticks mid to lower table with us or another club at a fairer value.
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