Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has completed a transfer to fellow Premier League side Stoke City, signing a five-year-contract in a deal worth around £13 million. 

Signing for the Potters in a bid for more first team football, Allen brings an end to his four-year stay at Anfield, in which he made 132 appearances for the Reds - scoring seven goals.

Four mixed years at Anfield for Allen

Brought to the club by Brendan Rodgers, who had managed him at Swansea City, in 2012, the Welshman did struggle to win over fans during his first couple of years on L4, bar playing a big role in the infamous 2013-14 title challenge.

Allen struggled to win over the Liverpool fans initially (photo: Getty Images)
Allen struggled to win over the Liverpool fans initially (photo: Getty Images)

However, by the end of his stay at Anfield, Allen has certainly changed some minds. Despite not becoming a prominent starter under Jürgen Klopp last season, he scored the winning penalty in a Capital One Cup final against his new side, and has an influential role off the bench in Europa League ties against Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund. Following that, the midfielder was a mainstay in the Wales midfield during Euro 2016, playing magnificently well.

Talented, but not a 'Klopp player'

Unfortunately for Allen, standing at just 5ft 6", he was always going to struggle to command a starting place in a Klopp side, with the German boss bemoaning Liverpool's lack of height on the pitch last season. This was shown by the signing of Marko Grujic, plus Klopp's use of Emre Can. 

Therefore, he sought pastures new in search of a starting place, one which he'll almost definitely get at Stoke as Mark Hughes continues to transform the playing style at the Britannia Stadium. 

Given the fact that he only had 12 months left on his contract at Anfield, the £13million transfer fee isn't a bad deal for Liverpool, in a move that looks to suit all parties. Klopp was reportedly open to keeping Allen, but couldn't promise him the football he needs, and will send him down to the Potteries on good terms.

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