Joe Allen has completed a £14million move to Stoke in what must be considered a superb signing for the Potters.
A year ago, Liverpool would have found it hard to command that fee, reported by Sky Sports, for the Welshman, but some sterling performances at Euro 2016 have seen him transform into something of a cult hero.
The messianic midfielder was always going to leave Anfield nonetheless, but it’s fair to say Jurgen Klopp’s midfield will be poorer without him. Unfortunately, the best days of his Liverpool career came towards the end of it, as it seemed too late to change Klopp’s mind.
As for Stoke? Mark Hughes has once again proved his astute eye in the transfer market, bringing in a player who can improve Stoke’s passing in the middle.
Playing alongside Switzerland star Shaqiri, Allen is sure to improve further and while he may not have the flair of his new team-mate, he is essentially the perfect fit for Hughes’ new system.
Stoke haven’t entirely lost their metal, so the 26-year-old’s well-timed tackles will be an added bonus.
Hughes’ men came unstuck a few times last season by trying too hard to play a game they are not yet accustomed to, so Allen will finally be able to steady the ship as they look to improve on last season’s impressive ninth-placed finish.
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