Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has admitted that Ibrahim Afellay might leave in the near future.
The Barcelona forward took a step closer to making a loan move to Tottenham Hotspur following Martino’s admission that his player may leave.
As transfer deadline day approaches, Tottenham are thought to be ready to tweak their squad, bringing in fresh talent and letting other players go.
Both Erik Lamela and Etienne Capou have been heavily tipped for the departure gate as Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood looks to reshape his side to push for a Champions League place.
Sherwood is thought likely to bring in at least two more players before the deadline – Afellay being one, probably on a loan deal.
The Dutch international joined Barcelona in January 2011 for a reported fee of €3m, following impressive displays for Eredivisie giants PSV. Afellay initially struggled to make an impact at the Camp Nou, however, as Barcelona gunned for another treble, and strikers David Villa and Pedro were favoured.
The following season Afellay unfortunately suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out of action for seven months, with the forward not returning to full fitness until the end of the season.
Following manager Pep Guardiola’s departure from Barcelona, Afellay was loaned out to the Bundesliga with Schalke 04, reuniting with coach Huub Stevens. Despite regular game time, another injury was to follow in November and the Tottenham target returned to Barcelona without playing another game for Schalke – receiving lots of criticism in the process.
Missing another four months of the current campaign as a result of thigh surgery, it now appears he is fully fit. Nonetheless, Barcelona boss Martino recently confirmed that Afellay may leave the club.
Should Tottenham take the gamble and sign Ibrahim Afellay until the end of the season ?
image: © hollidaypics
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