Afellay added to Schalke squad

Ibrahim Afellay: Will spend the remainder of the season at Schalke

Bundesliga outfit Schalke have confirmed that they have taken Ibrahim Afellay on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The 26-year-old winger was believed to be a target for Tottenham, but has opted to make a move to Germany.

Afellay has decided to take in a loan spell after struggling to hold down a regular role at Barca since completing a switch to Camp Nou from PSV Eindhoven in December 2010.

A productive debut campaign in Catalunya saw him help Barca to Primera Liga and UEFA Champions League crowns, but a serious cruciate ligament injury laid him low in 2011/12.

Qualities

He was selected in Holland's squad for Euro 2012 after returning to full fitness and formed part of Barca's pre-season programme.

Afellay has, however, accepted Schalke's offer to spend the 2012/13 campaign competing in the German top flight.

Royal Blues coach Huub Stevens told his club's official website: "I look forward to working with Ibrahim. He has special qualities and can play in several positions.

"In Eindhoven Ibrahim played centrally, but he can also do a job on the left or right."