Joe Allen's value to Swansea in what he represents
By Mark Pitman on Jul 23, 12 07:21 PM
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International football has been a well-debated topic for both on and off the field reasons this summer. Between the European Championships and the Olympic Games, club football has taken something of a back-seat until now, but with pre-season becoming serious the usual transfer talk once again dominates the back pages. Swansea City have made a few transfer headlines already this summer as new manager Michael Laudrup tweaks his inherited squad to his own personal liking, but the legacy of his predecessor remains influential in Laudrup's summer plans, as Brendan Rodgers appears set to make a move to take young midfielder Joe Allen from the Liberty Stadium to Liverpool. A significant offer will be expected if the move is to materialise, and while Laudrup has been busy bringing some Spanish flair to Swansea, he and his club should remember some other factors when putting a valuation on Allen's head.
Joe Allen has continually impressed for club and country since making his senior debut with Swansea City and now has the opportunity to make the same mark on the Olympic stage. The controversy of the Welshman's selection for Team GB is a debate for another time, but based purely on football matters, his inclusion is very much deserved. Still only 22, Allen has made the step-up to the Premier League with ease, and previously did enough in the Championship to attract the interest of bigger clubs before eventually proving his worth at the highest-level last season. A key member of Chris Coleman's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Joe Allen has a big season ahead of him, but it will be a season that appears destined to start with a big decision as speculation over his future increases. A clause in Rodgers move from Swansea to Liverpool prevents any of the current squad joining him at Anfield, but if Allen decides that he wishes to follow his former manager, his suitors would need to meet Swansea City's valuation to seal the deal.
Should Liverpool complete the signing of Joe Allen they will appoint a highly-rated young midfielder who is level-headed enough to handle the pressure associated with such a move. Rodgers arrived at Anfield with a clear philosophy on how he expects his team to play and the Irishman is more than aware of what role Allen can play in such a midfield. Allen by comparison knows exactly what Rodgers expects from him and what he will need to produce in order to be a success in his system. What Liverpool gain however, Swansea City will lose, and while Michael Laudrup is yet to have the opportunity to put into practice his football ideals and beliefs there is no doubt that Allen has a key role to play as the Dane looks to make his mark on the Premier League. But for all his ability on the field, Allen brings something to Swansea City that money can't buy, and that is where Swansea City must appreciate his real value.
The Premier League is a cosmopolitan assortment of nations. Even nondescript locations such as Stoke and Sunderland are home to players from all four corners of the World. After two decades of evolving football however, Swansea City did something unique when they gained promotion a year ago, as they became the first non-English club to compete in the division. Such a position adds an 'England v Wales' factor to each and every league fixture and this 'us against the rest' status has been beneficial in galvanising support when things have not been going to plan. Swansea City are proud to represent Wales in the Premier League, but this nationalistic advantage can be lost without the right soldiers in their ranks. Michael Laudrup has shown some early indication of his plans for the squad with the arrival of two Spaniards and an on-loan Dutchman, but identity is important, and Swansea City would be well-advised to maintain their 'Welshness', however continental their tactical approach.
Joe Allen has been linked with a move from Swansea City to Liverpool
Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor are already regulars for club and country alongside Joe Allen and all three bring an important dimension to the unique situation that Swansea City find themselves in. For all the riches of the Premier League, football fans still favour the players they can relate to, and having been born and raised in West Wales before progressing through the junior and youth ranks of the club, Joe Allen is the original local boy done good. A move to Liverpool holds obvious financial attraction in addition to their status in the European game, Brendan Rodgers' arrival would make it a far easier move for Allen than one to any other established Premier League club, and despite his status as a player the unknown season ahead for Swansea City under the guidance of Michael Laudrup suggests that a move to Liverpool could yet be a very real prospect.
The summer season is all about speculation however, and Swansea City have already been linked with a number of stories that have failed to materialise, regarding both players in and players out as well as managers. There is every reason for Swansea City fans to believe that Joe Allen, having signed a four-year contract following the clubs promotion to the Premier League, may remain a Swansea City player. What the club must ensure however is that if he does leave the price for Allen is the right one for Swansea City, especially if his exit signals another piece of local identity being taken away from the club. The transfer fee is expected to be significant, but then Swansea City are losing more than just a player.
But should Allen move on, plans are in place to replace him, or more to the point his type, sometime in the future. Swansea City have gained significant riches since earning promotion to the Premier League and funding has recently been set aside for a purpose built training complex and investment into the clubs academy system. The demands of the Premier League and the importance of staying there make it difficult for local youngsters to emerge, but by offering the best facilities and coaching, there is a chance it can happen and happen consistently in the future. Swansea City are now on the long road to establishing themselves as a Premier League club, the next challenge will be keep their local identity in the process, and ensure the Premier League's only Welsh club has enough Welsh talent to add credibility to that status.