So yes, 2.8M is too expensive. But when I find a player who has a cheap starting price, there's always one other manager who makes the price too expensive. Zabka, Canipel and Peng for example I've paid too much (round 500k by player) because there was one (and only one) other manager who wanted him too. When the starting price is too expensive, I make a bad deal. When the starting price is nice I make a bad deal. So if I want a player, I know it will be bad deal.
i know what you're talking about... when i bought weeks, there were just one other guy and me when the price reached 3,5m. i thought i would have him around 4m and i ended up paying 5.4m
but you know, you might have made some 'bad deals' and paid extra money, but on the other hand you've been building one damn of a good squad too ;)