Soccer Extreme : 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 on Thursday morning, and 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 fans and journalists who had come to catch a first glimpse of the 24-year-old.
Afellay then spoke briefly with Barca TV, saying: "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 entering the meeting where the specifics of his move from PSV - believed to be in the region of €3 million (£2.56m) - were concluded.
He will then undergo the necessary medical examinations prior to his official announcement, where he will be presented with the Blaugrana strip for the first time, and will take on squad No.20.
Afellay's agent, Rob Jansen, 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 on Friday morning (goal)