Joe Allen leaving Liverpool in summer? Star speaks on his future

Liverpool are currently preparing for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday at Anfield against Borussia Dortmund, and ahead of the match, reports have emerged that the club is yet to open talks with midfielder Joe Allen.

Allen, who is former-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers’ first singing in 2012, has his new contract deal expiring in 14 months. The Wales midfielder has had a mixed reception from fans during his 4 year stay at the club and Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has already hinted that the 26-year-old will be in the starting XI for what has emerged as Liverpool’s most important match of the season.

Allen has struggled to secure a place in the starting XI since Klopp arrived in October, but with his gradually improving form he managed to deliver one of his best Liverpool performances at the weekend, as the team won 4-1 at home to Stoke.

He has only started four Premier League matches this season but he has been an increasingly influential player since the turn of the year.

With the injuries problems of Lucas and Jordan Henderson, he is set to start on Thursday in their Europe League quarter final 2nd leg against Borussia Dortmund.

Speaking ahead of Thurday’s games against the German giants, Allen admitted that he is playing for his Liverpool future and his statement have sparked several speculations among fans who are not sure if the Welsh man could be out of Anfield this summer

“At a club like Liverpool you are always playing for your future,” Allen told ECHO. “Maybe more so now than ever before for me but it’s not something I’ve thought too much about or focused too much on.

“It’s just a case of looking forward to games like Thursday night. Of course I hope I start. It’s a huge game. Every single player in the squad will be hoping the same.”

The Welsh man impressed after coming off the bench to replace Henderson in the Westfalenstadion and he maintained those high standards against Stoke. And after the match Klopp was full of praise for Allen, after the Welshman starred in the win.

“He was brilliant. There is no other word for this. We only took him off because we need him,” Klopp said. Joe is not 100 per cent fit, but it is not possible because he couldn’t train often enough. He was always on the bench because we have needed him. He’s a really good player. Now, hopefully he stays healthy forever and now he’s a really good option.”

Swansea made an enquiry about re-signing their former player on loan in January, but Liverpool rejected the approach. Up until now, Allen’s future remains unclear as talks over a new deal have not yet begun.