Will Joe Allen live to regret Celtic chance passing him by?

Follow us on Google Discover

Joe Allen was reportedly keen on a move to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic but is now allegedly set for a new contract at Stoke City.

Joe Allen has never won a major trophy and made just six appearances in the Champions League throughout his entire career.

And at the age of 28 and approaching his peak, the likelihood is that he will not get too many more chances to play at the top level. So would he live to regret signing a new contract at Stoke City?

According to the Telegraph, Allen is in advanced talks over a new deal with the Potters in what will be a massive plus to the club following their relegation from the Premier League, which is likely to result in several big-name departures.

Allen himself has been the subject of plenty of speculation, with the Gambling Times recently stating that he was keen on a reunion with his former Liverpool and Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.

The Mirror had stated that Allen, who cost Stoke £13 million in 2016, was an ambitious target for the Hoops, who would almost certainly have to shatter their transfer record to lure him to Scotland.

But, while the Scottish top flight lacks the exposure of even England’s second tier, Celtic would have offered Allen opportunities he might not get again in his career.

The Hoops are already clear favourites to win an eighth straight league title before a ball has even been kicked and they will also be playing in the Champions League next season should they navigate the play-offs.

While Allen must be commended for his loyalty to Stoke, there are times in a player’s career when he must think of himself and this is one of those moments.