Tuesday, 21st August, 2012
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has told attacking midfielder Ibrahim Afellay that he can leave the Spanish giants either on loan or on a permanent basis.
According to Dutch sports magazine Voetbal International, Afellay has been informed that, though Vilanova rates him as a top quality performer, playing time at the Camp Nou will be at a premium this season.
Ahead of the former PSV Eindhoven player lie a glittering array of stars with Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez, the returning David Villa, Pedro, Cristian Tello and Isaac Cuenca all before Afellay in the pecking order.
Much interest has already been shown in Afellay, but the Dutchman has thus far opted to remain at Barcelona to fight for his place.
It remains to be seen whether Vilanova’s latest words will affect the 26-year-old’s thinking.
Afellay has been linked with a whole host of clubs this summer, including Lille, Liverpool, Inter, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
He joined Barcelona in the 2011 January transfer window, but has seen his spell at the club blighted by injury.
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