The plane departing from the Merseyside has been docked at the Liverpool John Lennon Airport for several months now awaiting Joe Allen’s impending departure. But, at this rate, it certainly won’t be hitting the runway anyway time soon.
Just months ago, the ‘Welsh Xavi’ looked certain for the exit door at the Anfield Stadium. Indeed, even under Brendan Rodgers himself, prior to his sacking, Allen had struggled to get a look-in for the first team, missing the side’s first six matches before playing just five minutes in the Reds’ 3-2 win over Aston Villa. He then went on to have little impact in his 12-minute cameo in the Merseyside Derby the following weekend. The draw proved to be the manager’s last straw; Rodgers was gone, and his No.24 should’ve followed suit.
‘Allen targeted by Prem rivals’, wrote the Mirror in relation to a report that Stoke City, Southampton and Leicester City were all interested in the Wales international. ‘Joe Allen to go in January?’ read another.
Even Allen himself seemed to buy into the rumours, admitting that he was playing for his future, especially given that, with 18 months left on his contract, talks of a possible renewal had gone quiet.
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