Liverpool selling themselves short with midfielder’s asking price
Published:
As a shining part of the heroic Wales squad that topped Group B at Euro 2016, Joe Allen probably feels pretty euphoric right now.
The midfielder has arguably been one of the Dragons’ three best players in France, providing a key supporting role to Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
Allen’s all-round game has been on full show during the Euros. Only Leicester and France star N’Golo Kante made more interceptions as a midfielder during the group phase, while the Welshman completed all six of his dribbles. He also retained the ball well with a pass success rate of 86.9 per cent.
Throw in the four chances he created going forward and the one assist he laid on for his side and the Liverpool midfielder’s stock may never have been higher.
All that considered, it’s particularly strange that rumours of the Reds selling the cult hero would emerge. What’s more peculiar is the fee they are supposedly willing to accept.
According to the Telegraph, the Anfield club will not be offering Allen a new contract once his current deal expires next summer.
As a result, they are looking to cash in on the player now, with a fee of £10m thought to be enough for the Merseysiders to cut ties. But are Liverpool selling too cheap?
The Reds paid £14m for Allen in 2012. He is still only 26, so has his prime years ahead of him and, after this Euro 2016 showing, would normally expect to earn Liverpool a profit if he were sold.
Strong performances at major tournaments are famous for driving a player’s value up, but it seems Jurgen Klopp and co are that desperate to rid themselves of the bearded maestro, they are willing to take a cut-price deal.
Swansea City, Allen’s former club, are keen to bring the man known throughout social media as “the Welsh Xavi” back to the Liberty Stadium.
If they can get him as cheap as £10m, it will probably be considered a steal by the time Wales are through in France.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
