On the move: Liverpool’s Joe Allen

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Joe Allen has been a revelation over the last year. He is currently playing for Wales in UEFA Euro 2016 in France, and has been one of the key men in Chris Coleman’s side that has reach the Quarter Finals stage of the competition. After Brendan Rodgers, who the Welshman played under at both Swansea City and Liverpool, was sacked from by the Merseyside club just after the start of last season, many feared that Allen’s Anfield career would be over, but many doubters have been proven wrong.

Allen never really hit the ground running with the club’s supporters, after being renowned as quite a negative player, rarely ever making a forward pass and only ever scoring once in a blue moon. However, under Jurgen Klopp, he has been something of a changed man, netting two goals in the Premier League and being a solid performer in the middle of the park with great ball control and a fantastic passing ability – which makes him crucial to his team’s attacks.

Allen, after a successful season with Liverpool, is now a wanted man. As such, he has a few big decisions to make this summer.  The question is then, should he stay at Anfield, or move on to the likes of former club Swansea City or Sevilla, who are both reported to be interested in securing his signature? Ultimately, it depends on whether the 26-year-old would rather become a legend for a particular club, or join a team that will go on to win silverware.

For starters, a move to Swansea would be a strange one for Allen – not to mention a step backwards – as he is capable of playing for bigger and more coveted clubs. For the Welsh outfit he would undoubtedly be a hero, but they are rapidly become a bottom-half-of-the-table Premier League side, and surely, based on his most recent performances, he can inspire to a brighter future than a mid-table domestic finish.

Sevilla would be an interesting move for Allen, as it would mean moving abroad to Spain, something that with the exception of David Beckham and Gareth Bale, not many British players do. That doesn’t mean to say he shouldn’t do it. It just means there are more complexities – such as the language barrier – involved, compared to transferring to another English-speaking club. However, should he make a move to Spain, with Sevilla, his playing style would see him fit in well.

It is no surprise that clubs are circling for the talented midfielder, and Celtic may well prove to be his next destination. This would be a move that gifts him with Champions League football and a reunion with former boss, Brendan Rodgers. Again though, with all due respect to the Scottish Premier League, the level of football currently being played by Celtic is not adequate for the Welshman to continue his progression.

When all is said and done, remaining at Liverpool would undoubtedly serve Allen best. For the first time in his Merseyside career, Allen is being worshipped by the fans and is actually starting to make a difference for his team. Considering his new-found cult status, and the current disappointment surrounding Jordan Henderson, Allen could still get regular first team football for Liverpool.

In a team with such talented and promising players, he truly can learn from the best and continue to grow into one of the finest midfield players in the Premier League. If Klopp can promise the Welshman regular first team football – which based on last season’s performances he ought to at the very least consider – it would make absolute sense for both parties.

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