In-Demand Allen Reflects on “Special” Night for Wales

Six points from three group games, three times voted player of the match, and through from first place ahead of favoured England. It’s been a good Euros so far for Wales and Joe Allen, who has been impressive in the heart of midfield for a nation that have gone from outsiders to favourites to at least make the quarter-finals.

"What a night," reflected the Liverpool midfielder, who has earned himself a growing list of admirers—and a Joe Allen appreciation day in Wales today—thanks to his strong performances. "I thought we started the game so well, and from start to finish we thoroughly deserved to win. To win in style like that is a special moment for Welsh football."

Depending on how things play out over the final few group stage matches, Wales will now be paired up with third place country from either Group A, C, or D in the Round of 16, and whoever they draw will likely be ranked favourites to advance again. The question, then, is what comes after that—both at the Euros and at the club level for Allen.

Despite his growing status as something of a cult icon, Allen remains down the pecking order at Liverpool and would likely be a rotation option again next season if he stuck around. With just a year to go on his current contract, it means a move is almost certain—Allen won’t want to sign a new deal to sit on the bench, and Liverpool won’t want to lose him next summer on a free.

That growing status as something of a cult icon, though—not to mention a skilled and hard-working if undersized midfielder—has more than a few clubs rumoured to be interested, led by Swansea. If he doesn’t return to the Welsh club, though, there have also been links to Leicester, Southampton, and perhaps most intriguingly, Sevilla.

It is believed that Liverpool will be seeking around £10M for Allen if he does end up sold, though his strong performances at the Euros could well have already added a few million on to that.