Stoke City have pulled off two prospective master-strokes in a single day. The enigmatic Welsh Xavi, Joe Allen, has been snapped up by the Potters in a 5-year deal for a meagre £13m only.
After seemingly losing his starting spot in the Liverpool line-up Allen was linked with multiple clubs like Swansea and Manchester United, no less. But he has finally chosen Stoke where he will impart his footballing knowledge and gospel.
On a more serious note, Stoke City have landed a bargain for a player who will guarantee commitment and solidity in the midfield.
He began his career at Swansea City, making his debut in January 2007 at the age of 16. Allen totalled 150 games across all competitions in six years at the Liberty Stadium, also having a loan at Wrexham. During his time at Swansea, they won two promotions, going from League One to the Premier League. In 2012, he joined Liverpool for £15 million, signed by his former Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers. A full international for Wales since 2009, Allen has earned over 30 caps for his nation, and represented Wales at UEFA Euro 2016, helping the team to reach the semi-finals. He represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.
Joe Allen, who has been termed as the ‘Welsh Xavi’ by former Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers, was named in the Euro Team of the Tournament for his controlled and dominating displays at the heart of the midfield. Joe Allen has unfortunately been adapted into an internet meme with reasons unknown but his extravagant hairstyle has certainly helped push things in that direction. His performances in midfield has been solid, if unspectacular and Mark Hughes will hope the player is able to settle along with his teammates.
Allen was looking for more playing minutes during what people believe are his ideal playing days and hence the decision to move to Stoke made sense. Though he was heavily linked with his former club Swansea, the revolution Mark Hughes is attempting at Stoke aided him in his decision.
Twitter duly reacted to the news and Liverpool fans had only nice things to say about their former fan favourite!
@stokecity Better than Pirlo.
— NM (@ffsRooney) July 25, 2016
@stokecity @Soloness @LFC Just bought yourself a Champions League spot
— Phil Smith (@prdsmith44) July 25, 2016
@stokecity @LFC pic.twitter.com/MXOK3htiyR
— Carl (@CarlMason79) July 25, 2016
@stokecity @LFC good luck wee Joe you beautiful human being
— Jim Farnworth ™ (@Jim5lfc) July 25, 2016
@stokecity @LFC How are we happy to sell a euros team of the tournament player for so cheap and have Mr Average Henderson captain
— Mo-A Kidiya (@mokidiya99) July 25, 2016
@stokecity @LFC Allen > Pirlo & Xavi combined
— El Chapo (@_DareToMoe_) July 25, 2016
@stokecity @LFC Allen and Ramadan in one day? Better than Arsenal in one entire signing period
— Soccer Fans (@Sccer4Ever) July 25, 2016
.@stokecity @LFC Follow back? I believe you have something that belongs to me.
— Deluded Brendan (@DeludedBrendan) July 25, 2016
