Swansea City head coach Luke Williams acknowledged he had no idea if the former Wales international would receive a new contract, casting doubt on Joe Allen’s future there.
Due to injuries that have hampered his career, Allen has only made one start in the Championship this season, which was last week’s 2-1 home loss against Ipswich Town.
With just 11 more league appearances this season off the bench, the 33-year-old’s current contract is set to expire this summer, and the club must now choose whether signing another one is beneficial.
Williams, who leads his squad to Sunderland on Saturday, maintains that no decision has yet been made regarding Allen’s future, despite the fact that is a great admirer of the former Wales midfielder who is in his second stint with the team.
Williams responded, “I honestly don’t know,” when asked if Allen, who returned to Swansea eighteen months ago, will stay.
“There will come a time when we need to have these talks with all of these guys who aren’t under contract.
However, I don’t think we currently have a clear idea of how it will appear.
“He’s an amazing professional and a fantastic football player.
“He may be a talented football player and well-mannered, but he’s really a beast in disguise. I hope to run into him at a party. He would take everyone by surprise. After he had a few drinks, you would glance up and wonder, “Joe’s on the table dancing?”
“I believe he is classy. It’s a pleasure working with him.
He quietly and methodically goes about his business. Without a doubt, he values this club greatly.
If Allen can stay healthy, Williams, who is attempting to win just his second league game in eight games as manager, plans to utilize Allen more in the final weeks of the campaign. Allen was previously a player for Liverpool and Stoke City.
“I believe he will participate if he maintains his fitness. I’m not sure how much he will play exactly.
But he will be a key member of our team if he stays healthy. Whether it’s coming off the bench or starting matches.
“He’s a major player, even if he doesn’t play. He plays a significant role in the warm-up, the dressing room, and the bench.
“Guys like that are what we bring. He’ll be there no matter what if he’s fit.”
Williams, who is trying to win only his second league game as manager in eight games, intends to use Allen more in the closing weeks of the season if he can maintain his fitness. Allen used to play for Stoke City and Liverpool.
As long as he stays fit, I think he’ll take part. I’m not sure precisely how much he will play.
But if he stays fit, he will play a significant role on our squad. Whether it’s beginning games or coming off the bench.
Even when he isn’t playing, he is a significant player. He is a big part of the bench, the dressing room, and the warm-up.
That’s the kind of guy we bring. He will always be there, regardless if
“There have been a few heated exchanges amongst the players during training, but they have been handled well—by being direct about expectations and encouraging communication amongst individuals.
It demonstrates their concern and understanding of what they should be accomplishing. If someone is not meeting those expectations, you have the right to inform them, but you must do it properly.
“Collaborating is more important than settling scores. I feel encouraged by that.