Rob Davies
Russell Martin has spoken positively about the possibility of signing Stoke midfielder Joe Allen on a free transfer this summer.
The return of Allen has been speculated for a few weeks with the Welshman wanting to return closer to home as he comes towards the end of his career.
There’s no doubt about the 32 year old’s quality and he would undoubtedly offer a better option than the outgoing Korey Smith, but is this a positive move?
They always say “never go back” and Allen most certainly is not the same full of energy midfielder that left for the bright lights of Liverpool in 2012 – he also suffered a lengthy spell on the sidelines last season.
But maybe, just maybe, he might be the focal point of a Swans midfield that has been lacking in guile this season. He may also have the potential to take the captaincy from Matt Grimes and free him from some of those shackles.
We’ve all seen his performances for Wales and in particular his display against Austria in the recent World Cup qualification semi-final was terrific and his experience is worth its weight in gold.
It’s not a done deal yet either way although with the comments from Martin this afternoon one would suspect that talks are quite far down the road.
Many questions to answer but what do you think? Should the Welsh Pirlo return home?
“Brilliant player, brilliant character. I watched him (Allen) for Wales recently,” explained Martin. “He was excellent, the way he spoke to other players as well.
“He loves this club, I love him as a player. I will say it. I would love to [sign him]. We’ll have to wait and see.
“It will depend on a lot of things. We have a lot of midfielders at the club. We have some midfielders that haven’t played very much.
“People are going to have to leave for people to come in. But Joe is someone who would fit here perfectly. He knows the club, the club knows him.
“I am sure he has got plenty of offers and I am sure at some point we will sit down and have a chat about him.”
Yes I think I’d go for it .He’s stillgot two or three seasons in him and if he keeps fit worth a punt .
Yes, a great signing. Add much needed experience and better than anything we currently have.
It would be good if he could use his authority to talk sense to the manager. Martin has potential but he lacks flexibility. Someone who could state the obvious and tell him to come off it when he is being perverse would help him and the team.