Afellay talks up Schalke stay

Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has said that he could see himself staying at Schalke after his loan deal ends.

The Netherlands international has six months left on his season-long loan from Barcelona, but he appears to be warming up to the idea of making his loan deal permanent.

Afellay is becoming an important member of the side at Veltins Arena and he admits he is enjoying his time in Bundesliga.

“When this season ends I will have two years left on my contract with Barca, but I feel very comfortable here at Schalke and I am enjoying this experience in Bundesliga,” the Dutch midfielder told Sport Bild.

“We’ll see what happens in the summer. When I finish the season, we will talk.”

Bundesliga giants Schalke have built a high-quality squad over the last couple of years, but the uncertainty surrounding key players Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Lewis Holtby is proving to be a major issue.

Club’s project could fall apart if the two stars opt against signing new deals at Veltins Arena, with Afellay one of many players who are waiting to see how the matter will be resolved before committing his long-term future to the club.

Ibrahim Afellay has had a decent start to his career in Germany, having scored 4 goals in 15 competitive matches this season.