Joe Allen to Stoke City: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Joe Allen has completed his transfer to Stoke from Liverpool, putting pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Potters.  

Stoke announced news of Allen’s transfer, adding the club will pay a fee that could reach £13 million.

“It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours for me but I am delighted to have finally been able to put pen to paper," Allen said in the club release. "I was really excited as soon as I heard of the Club’s interest and it wasn’t a difficult decision for me to make."

The move brings an end to a four-year stint at Anfield for Allen. Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had previously signed him for £15 million in the summer of 2012.

The Wales international became a regular fixture in the Reds first XI under Rodgers. Allen used his passing to implement a style of football founded on possession, while the midfielder’s game became more about dynamism, winning tackles and sniffing out danger as the ethos of the team shifted.

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As these numbers from WhoScored.com suggest, the 26-year-old has sought to take more chances on the ball as he’s developed:

But under manager Jurgen Klopp, opportunities were restricted for Allen, as he played in cup matches or came off the bench when Liverpool needed an edge in midfield.

The Welshman’s influence in the win over Borussia Dortmund at Anfield in the UEFA Europa League semi-final was key, while his marriage of composure on the ball and bite in defence helped the Reds turn the tide in games. However, for Liverpool to move forward, they needed to pursue an upgrade in this area of the pitch.

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Allen, for all his traits, can be bullied off the ball, isn’t the most technically gifted player and doesn’t have the drive to carry the ball through the pitch with incision. They’re all attributes that Klopp had in spades in his superb Borussia Dortmund side, and he’ll want his current team to achieve something similar.

Still, Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe thinks the influence of Klopp has helped Allen improve as a player:

A move to the Potters signals their continued development toward becoming a more passing side under manager Mark Hughes. Allen is another player who will look to keep the ball on the ground and play it.

While he isn't the strongest physically, his ability to win back the ball will still give Stoke's spine further solidity.

Stoke have acquired a footballer who is unanimously popular with both team-mates and supporters, not to mention hungry for success at the highest level. Fans of the Anfield club will be sad to see Allen go, although for the player’s best interests, the team made the right decision.