You can also turn MSports thinking around...let's say they don't have enough cars in the start of the season and taking Mikkelsen in would mean Greensmith can't run 1-2 rallies in the new car ( but could in the detuned old car as MSport now claims).
Do they think he would leave and take the money elsewhere? Where? Toyota rarely sells ride and will have enough work securing car for Katsuta. Hyundai will have similar issues with Solberg and already have Loubet, Veiby and likely Suninen interested in rides.