Ibrahim Afellay Set To Sign Four-And-A-Half Year Contract; Labels Barcelona The Best In The World

Posted Friday, December 24, 2010 by Goal.com

Barcelona will officially confirm Ibrahim Afellay as their new signing tomorrow morning on a four-and-a-half year deal.

Ibrahim Afellay Set To Sign Four-And-A-Half Year Contract; Labels Barcelona The Best In The World
Ibrahim Afellay says PSV goodbye

Barcelona’s first signing of the winter market, Ibrahim Afellay, has arrived at the club to finalise the details of his contract at the Camp Nou.

The Netherlands international touched down in Catalunya this morning, and has posed for photos outside his new home, next to the famous crest that adorns the wall outside the club offices.

Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta greeted him there along with a gathering of cules and journalists who had come to catch a first glimpse of the 24-year-old.

Afellay then spoke briefly with Barca TV and said, "It is very special to be here, I’m very happy. I’m a bit nervous, but that’s normal, I am at the best club in the world, it’s an amazing club. I’m just enjoying the moment.

"It hasn’t quite sunk in what I’ve achieved. I have just arrived, this is my first day in the city, but I don’t think it will take long for me to fully realise what’s happened.

"It is one big dream. Every player dreams of coming to Barca. Ask any player in the world and they’ll tell you they want to play here, where they play the best football in the world."

Afellay then entered the meeting where the specifics of his move from PSV - believed to be in the region of €3 million - will be concluded.

He will then undergo the necessary medical examinations prior to his official announcement at 16:00 CET, where he will be presented with the Blaugrana strip for the first time, and will take on squad number 20.

UPDATE: Afellay's agent, Rob Jansen, has confirmed via social networking site Twitter that his client is set to sign a four-and-a-half year deal with the Spanish champions, subject to successful completion of his medical, with the negotiations to be completed this morning.