After completing his move to Stoke City, Joe Allen has revealed the decision to join Potters “wasn’t too difficult” as he looks for more first-team football this season.
The 26-year-old impressed at Euro 2016, enough so for Mark Hughes to shell out £13m on signing him from Liverpool.
Having been left frustrated with a lack of playing time at Anfield last season, it comes as no surprise that Allen is relishing the chance to prove his worth at the Britannia Stadium, and although it would have been difficult to leave Liverpool behind, with regards to his career it’s arguably the best move.
Allen arrived on Merseyside from Swansea City in 2012, and although he made 37 appearances in all competitions last season, it doesn’t tell the full story as he was largely used as squad player by Jurgen Klopp.
With the arrivals of the likes of Sadio Mane, Marko Grujic and Georginio Wijnaldum, Klopp was evidently moving in a different direction with his midfield which in turn has seen Allen grab a fresh opportunity ahead of the new campaign.