Schalke are impressed with Ibrahim Afellay’s start to his loan spell in Germany and admitted that they could take up their option on the Barcelona man.
The Dutchman interrupted an injury-hit start to his career in Catalonia this summer to join the Bundesliga outfit on an initial one-year loan deal.
The Germans have an option to make his switch permanent next summer for a reported fee of around €2.2m and, after the 26-year-old opening 13 appearances, which have yielded four goals, have admitted that it is a serious option.
“Will we keep him after this season? If his performances remain as positive then there is a good chance,” commented the club’s sporting director Horst Heldt to Bild this weekend.
