Liverpool's Joe Allen makes Stoke switch

London (AFP) – Stoke City have signed Wales international midfielder Joe Allen from Liverpool on a five-year deal, the two Premier League clubs announced on Monday.

Stoke paid £13 million (15.5 million euros, $17 million) to make Allen the club’s second signing of the pre-season after tying up a deal for Egyptian teenager Ramadan Sobhi earlier in the day.

Allen was named in UEFA’s team of the tournament as Wales reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, but the 26-year-old struggled for playing time under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield last season.

“It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours for me but I am delighted to have finally been able to put pen to paper,” Allen told Stoke’s official website.

“I was really excited as soon as I heard of the club’s interest and it wasn’t a difficult decision for me to make.

“I am incredibly excited about my future here at Stoke City.”

Allen, who will wear the number four shirt, will fly out to Orlando along with Sobhi on Tuesday to join his new team-mates.

Potters chief executive Tony Scholes added: “Joe is a player that (coach) Mark (Hughes) has admired for a considerable amount of time.

“We have had to act swiftly to conclude the deal but we are delighted that we have managed to get it over the line.”