Football Update: La Liga- Barcelona swoop for Dutchman Ibrahim Afellay
It is reported that talented Dutchman Ibrahim Afellay will be joining FC Barcelona in a transfer fee believed to be just €3 million from PSV Eindhoven. Barcelona have quite a small squad in terms of physique and stature, but considering they often employ
a midfield trio short in height and physique, Afellay’s signing will add some much needed physical presence. He has already agreed on personal terms with Barcelona and is eager to link-up with his new team in January.
Afellay is a recipient of the Johan Cruijff Award for "Young Player of the Year" in the Netherlands. Afellay was part of the Dutch team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup managed by Bert van Marwijk that finished runners-up to Spain. He made several substitute
appearance at this years event.
Signing Fabregas now would be an extravagance for Barcelona, as they have other players who can do a similar job, unless they are looking to replace Xavi. Afellay signing for just €3 million is an unbelievable deal by Barcelona. Perhaps PSV Eindhoven forgot
how to negotiate?
Afellay can be deployed both on the wings and in central midfield, whereas Cesc Fabregas - another potential Barca target plays in centre midfield, so both have no connection there, Barca have good cover in midfield which indicates Fabregas, or anyone like
him, is far from a necessity at the Nou Camp.
Looking at the list of players, the one position in which Barcelona are lacking in is centre forward. They have David Villa, and Zlatan Ibrahimović is on loan, but if they were to strengthen an area of the pitch in the summer, it would probably be there.
The other thing of great concern is Barcelona’s burgeoning debt. Last season it increased by 77 million Euros and is currently at half a billion Euros, if they continue to lose money in the way the figure is likely to grow and grow. Simply put, not only
will the team not require Fabregas, even if it did, they won’t be able to afford him.
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