Saviola heads to Malaga, Afellay loaned to Schalke

Champions League side Malaga have completed the transfer of Argentina international Javier Saviola from Benfica.

The former Barcelona and Real Madrid forward, who was used chiefly as a substitute for Benfica last season, put pen to paper on a contract with Malaga until June 2013.

Saviola’s arrival comes as a welcome boost for Malaga, who sold Salomon Rondon to Rubin Kazan‎ and Santi Cazorla to Arsenal in the past month.

Meanwhile, Schalke have completed the signing of Netherlands international Ibrahim Afellay from Barcelona on a one-year loan deal.

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova recently revealed Afellay was unlikely to play a major role at Camp Nou this season, prompting the 26-year-old to seek a move for his development.