Share

Stoke sign former Barcelona winger

London - Stoke City have signed former Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay on a free transfer, the Premier League club confirmed on Monday.

Afellay agreed a two-year contract with City and will link up with his boss Mark Hughes and his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of France.

The 29-year-old Netherlands international - capped 50 times - was available to move after his contract with Barcelona expired in the close-season.

Former PSV Eindhoven star Afellay joins compatriots Erik Pieters and Marco van Ginkel in the Stoke squad, along with former Barcelona team-mates Bojan Krkic, Marc Muniesa and Moha El Ouriachi.

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes told his club's website: "It's no secret that Ibrahim was wanted by a number of clubs and we are understandably delighted that he has chosen to join us.

"He's clearly excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League and the fact that he knows so many players who are already at the club will no doubt help him settle into his new surroundings."

Afellay's time with Barcelona was disrupted by injury problems and he made just 21 league appearances for the Spanish club, while also spending time on loan at Schalke and Olympiakos.

He becomes Stoke's eighth close-season signing following the arrivals of Philipp Wollscheid, Jakob Haugaard, Joselu, Van Ginkel, Glen Johnson, Shay Given and Moha.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1200 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1397 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2121 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE