Schalke talk up Afellay swoop

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt says the club could make Ibrahim Afellay’s loan move from Barcelona permanent at the end of the season.

Afellay has struggled for form and fitness during his time at Camp Nou, and made a temporary switch to the Veltins Arena on transfer deadline day in August.

He has since scored four goals in all competitions, and Heldt is delighted with his performances for Schalke so far.

“Will we keep him after the season? If his performances remain as good, then there is a good chance,” he told Bild.

After Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Hoffenheim, Schalke sit in second place in the Bundesliga, seven points behind table-toppers Bayern Munich.