Arsenal and Liverpool target’s future unclear as agent sends out mixed messages

Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay. (Picture credit: Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport)

Monday, August 6, 2012
3:40 PM

Transfer news: Ibrahim Afellay has been linked with a move away from Barcelona

The agent of Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay has issued conflicting updates on the future of the 26-year-old.

Arsenal and Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the Dutchman in recent weeks, who missed most of last season with a cruciate ligament injury.

“Afellay could go out on loan for a year,” his representative Rob Jansen told Italian reporters over the weekend. “Yes, that is a possibility.”

However, Jansen later suggested that it is unlikely that his client will be leaving the Nou Camp.

“I won’t take such messages too seriously,” Jansen told Voetbal International.

“Of course, there are a lot of clubs interested, but that has always been the chase. Ibrahim had not yet signed for Barca and other clubs were already on the phone.

“A move away from FC Barcelona is not currently an issue. Ibrahim feels good and plays for Barca.

“There is no reason to leave. Is a departure entirely excluded? It’s football, but it is very unlikely.”