Joe Allen is set to extend his stay at Liverpool, news that has been met with a mixed reaction…
It was confirmed earlier this week by members of the national press, including the Daily Mail, that Liverpool have opened talks with midfielder Joe Allen over an extension to his current contract.
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Liverpool transfer news
The Welshman was one of Brendan Rodgers’ first signings as Liverpool boss, with the former Swansea City pair both arriving at Anfield in the summer of 2012.
Allen, 24, has since made 87 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, and looks well set to become an integral member of our squad for years to come, with a new long-term offer now on the table.
Despite the success he’s already enjoyed at the club, this news has been met with a certain amount of disdain by a small minority of Liverpool fans, who are quick to point out the fact that tying down Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling should be of greater priority to the Reds hierarchy.
However, there are plenty of positives to take from this news, including the five that we’ve picked out below:
5) Manchester City
While it was Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho who grabbed the headlines during our recent 2-1 victory over Premier League champions Manchester City, the contribution of Allen should not be forgotten. Despite being up against the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva, the Welshman controlled the midfield throughout the game, while he also set up a number of chances for his teammates as he drove them forward from the centre of the park.
4) Others will follow
The re-signing of Allen, along with all the new terms of his improved contract, will be news that is quickly passed around among the rest of the squad. His commitment could well inspire others to put pen to paper and sign on the dotted line, including key players such as Henderson and Sterling, who us Liverpool fans are clearly anxious to see stay. The value of this first piece in the puzzle should not be underestimated.
3) They come as a pair
Brendan Rodgers and Joe Allen have been together since 2010, when Allen was only a teenager. Most Liverpool fans would readily trust the boss after the wonderful job he’s done at the club thus far, so we should trust his ongoing faith in Allen. He knows better than anyone what the midfielder is capable of, and if he feels that Allen deserves a new contract then that’s good enough for us, we’re inclined to believe him.
2) Great potential
Allen is a part of an impressive young Liverpool side that are already beginning to come good on their huge potential. It’s not just Allen that we need to be excited about, when you think about the 24-year-old featuring in a team that includes Emre Can, Alberto Moreno, Lazar Markovic, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Jordon Ibe and Divock Origi – it’s enough to make your mouth water!
1) An underrated position
Is Joe Allen the new Lucas Leiva? For years the Brazilian’s job in the team has gone unnoticed and underrated by many, but if one thing’s for sure – we definitely miss him when he’s not there! Lucas turned 28 this year, and has been widely linked with a move away from Liverpool in the summer. During his current absence through injury, his place has been taken by Allen, who has done an excellent job playing in the hole between defence and midfield.
