It's a reunion that has been in the pipeline for some time.
Joe Allen is a Jack once more. Although, the reality is, he always was. Nine years, 10 months and 28 days after his big-money move from Swansea City to Liverpool, the midfielder officially sealed a return to the club where it all began.
Croeso adref (welcome home) read the title on the Swans' official announcement of the 32-year-old's signing. But the return isn't a sentimental one. It's business.
SIGN-UP: Get the latest Swansea City news and stories into your inbox every day for FREE!
"It was tough to leave as a player," Allen said of his exit a decade ago. "Everything was perfect and I was loving life. Both the team and I had had a good year in the Premier League, but in all honesty, when a club like Liverpool comes calling, it makes it difficult for an ambitious lad not to make that move.
"To be fair, everybody was fully understanding and supportive. Coming back, I think I’ve still got a lot of offer. I’m confident the experience I’ve gained over the years as a player with Liverpool and Stoke, and with everything that has happened with Wales, are all things that will be a big help in allowing me to get out there and performing well. I want good things to happen here."
The move had been on the horizon for some time, and with Allen's Stoke City contract expiring this summer, it's fair to say the midfielder had a mountain of options on his table. Several Championship clubs showed an interest in him while others from abroad - including Spanish side RCD Mallorca - were keen to strike a deal.
But his heart was with Swansea, and while the wait was somewhat anxious at times, the relief when the paperwork was all finally signed, sealed and delivered was palpable.
"I was aware that with my contract at Stoke expiring in the summer that they [Swansea] would certainly want to be at the table and having a conversation," he explained. "That was great and something that really appealed to me. I didn’t put all my eggs in one basket – you can’t afford to do that.
"There was a big focus for me with Wales in the summer and I had a few issues. We had a huge game against Ukraine and I didn’t really think about my club future until after that. Thankfully, the interest was still there. There were still things to be worked out on the business side of things, but the thing that really accelerated the deal was the interest in Flynn Downes. When his deal was going ahead, it opened the door for me to make a return.
"It was a great feeling the moment I signed the contract and I just can’t wait to get going. Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later after the frustrations of getting injured at the back end of last season."
Russell Martin was a pivotal factor in Allen's decision to re-join his boyhood club. The head coach has been a huge admirer of the 72-cap Welshman for some time and admitted following the conclusion of last season that he would "love" to work with Allen.
The pair regularly held talks over the possibility of a transfer switch this summer, and Allen was quite simply blown away by some of the discussions he had with the Swansea boss.
"If I went into coaching, this is how I would want my team to play," the midfielder admitted. "I’ve been fortunate to have had some great managers.
"You take different things off all of them, but I was impressed with the conversations I had with Russell and the huge level of detail he puts into his planning. I think the majority of people can see that and I hope they all get behind him because I think there are exciting times ahead."
The sight of Allen in a Swansea shirt will evoke pure emotion from the Jack Army this season, particularly on his first appearance on home soil, regardless of when that actually may be. He will have the iconic number seven on the back of his jersey - a figure previously used by midfield kingpin Leon Britton and Swans legend Alan Curtis.
Having arrived in Swansea the night before his move was officially completed, Allen spoke with Britton about having the jersey and was given the former Swans star's full blessing to shine in his second spell at the club.
"I actually saw Britts the night before I signed and spoke to him about wearing that number," revealed Allen. "He gave me his full backing, which was great, because he was a huge mentor for me. He is one of the idols I’ve had in my career, so it is a nice touch.
"It’s also a number I’ve worn for Wales, so there is a double connection and I’m looking forward to wearing it."
Allen is continuing his recovery from the hamstring injury he sustained during Wales' Nations League clash with Belgium last month. He underwent hours and hours of rehabilitation with medics from the Football Association of Wales in a bid to ensure he could return to action as swiftly as possible once his club future was decided.
And he is now determined to wear a Swans jersey in a competitive match for the first time in more than a decade when Martin's men kick-start their 2022/23 campaign at Rotherham United later this month.
"I'm hoping to be in the squad for that," he said. "That's the first game of the season, as much as it's a long season, you want to be a part of it. We'll do everything we possibly can between now and then to be ready.
"The FAW got a programme together for me to ensure I was getting back to fitness as quick as possible. I’m really grateful to them. That helped me be in a position to sign for Swansea."
Martin's men take on the Millers at the New York Stadium on Saturday, July 30, and Allen will be hopeful of once again being able to applaud the Jack Army with gusto when they finally get the chance to celebrate a reunion that was 10 years in the making.
READ NEXT:
