Stoke City sign former Barcelona star Ibrahim Afellay

Mark Hughes has further strengthened Barcelona’s tag as a feeder club to Stoke City by signing Ibrahim Afellay on a two-year deal after his contract expired at the Nou Camp.

“It’s no secret that Ibrahim was wanted by a number of clubs and we are understandably delighted that he has chosen to join us,” Potters CEO Tony Scholes said.

“He’s clearly excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League and the fact that he knows so many players who are already at the club will no doubt help him settle into his new surroundings.”

#SCFC are delighted to announce the signing of Dutch international winger Ibrahim Afellay

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 27, 2015

Having fended off fierce competition for the Dutchman’s signature, Stoke boss Hughes has once again pulled off a masterstroke in the transfer market, having brought in Spanish striker Joselu, goalkeepers Shay Given and Jakob Haugaard, defensive duo Glen Johnson and Philipp Wollscheid, and on-loan midfielder Marco van Ginkel already this summer. Keep an eye on all activity with Coral’s live updates.

Added to that there is also 19-year-old winger Moha El Ouriachi, who also joined from the Catalan giants, which means that Afellay should feel right at home as he reunites with other ex-Barca stars Marc Muniesa and Bojan Krkic, the latter having made the move 12 months earlier.

Hughes has been in the hunt for a top quality player since it was clear that Xherdan Shaqiri rejected Stoke’s overtures, and Afellay is the perfect recruit. Although he is 29, he should still have a couple of years left at the highest level and will be hoping he can rediscover his form at the Britannia Stadium.