Benitez linked to top quality adaptable attacker!

Ibrahim Afellay, PSV Eindhoven and Laurent Bonnart, Marseille


The Rumour

Press reports suggest a number of Serie A’s biggest clubs are vying for the signature of PSV’s attacking midfielder Ibrahim Afellay this summer alongside Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool.

The talented 23-year-old has also been linked to a number of Premier League clubs in the past with Arsenal thought to be very keen although the arrival of Andrey Arshavin seems to have ended that interest. There are a number of English clubs looking to add more width to their teams and Afellay could prove to be an excellent signing for those clubs.

The PSV star was born in Utrecht but is of Moroccan descent and came through the ranks at his present club. Afellay made his PSV debut in the 2003/04 season as a 17-year-old but has since become one of the stars of the Dutch giants. In fact, apart from his debut season, the young star has played his part in 4 successive Dutch title wins but hopes of a 5th ended when AZ finished top.

The Source: (Football Pools)

The Analysis

I have been a big fan of this guy ever since he burst onto the scene at PSV three or four years back and he’s a player long overdue an Eredivisie departure. The 23 year old is a skillful adaptable attacker who can play almost across the entire midfield as well as being damn good just behind the striker.

Now an international regular Affelay has come close to leaving his native Holland on a number of occasions and Arsenal seemed destined to land Utrecht born lad but according to this source now Rafa is intently monitoring the four time domestic league winner.

The odds of Ibrahim leaving his Eindhoven side have dramatically increased since they fell from grace so spectacularly in last season’s title chase. After winning the previous four titles they somehow managed to end the season fifteen points behind champions AZ and finished in fourth spot and therefore out of the Champions League for next season.

The Likelihood

Afellay to Liverpool: Would be a good bit of business!

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