Joe Allen ‘will leave Stoke on a free this summer after rejecting a new deal, with a return to Swansea a possible option’ as Wales midfielder seeks first-team football ahead of the World Cup
- Wales international Joe Allen will leave Stoke City after declining a new contract
- The midfielder spent six years at the club after leaving Liverpool for £13.95m
- Allen is now a free agent and Swansea City is reportedly a possible destination
Joe Allen will leave Stoke City after six years, having declined a new contract at the Championship side.
The Welsh international midfielder is now free to hold talks with any club as a free agent, and according to reports from the Telegraph, Swansea is a potential destination.
The 32-year-old joined Stoke from Liverpool in 2016 on a £13.95million deal in the early stages of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp‘s squad overhaul, making way for Georginio Wijnaldum’s arrival from Newcastle.
Joe Allen leaves Stoke City after six seasons, 220 games and 20 goals at the bet365 Stadium
Michael O’Neill took over at Stoke in 2019
In six seasons at the bet365Stadium Allen played 220 games, scoring 20 and assisting 19 from midfield.
And despite his age, Allen showcased his ability to control a game with another gutsy performance against Ukraine to help end his country’s 64-year wait for a World Cup place – with Swansea’s head coach Russell Martin watching on in Cardiff.
And having got his side to the Qatar World Cup, Allen will want plenty of game time in preparation for the tournament, which is something he will be assured of at Swansea.
However, for a deal to be made with the veteran player, Swansea will likely have to raise funds through player sales to bring the player back to his first club.
Allen helped Swansea win promotion first to the Championship and then the Premier League
Having started his professional career with the Swans, the former Liverpool midfielder was part of the side that won promotion to the…