Official: Stoke sign Afellay

The 29-year-old has joined the Premier League club on a free transfer after his contract at Barcelona expired, becoming their eighth summer signing

Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Ibrahim Afellay on a two-year deal.

Goal revealed on Monday that the Potters were in talks to sign the Netherlands international after failing with an ambitious bid to lure Xherdan Shaqiri to the Britannia Stadium from Inter Milan.

Afellay, who saw his contract with Barcelona expire at the end of last season, has now linked up with the Premier League club to become Mark Hughes' eighth summer signing.

Chief Executive Tony Scholes told the club's official website: "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.

"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."

The 29-year-old joins a growing contingent of ex-Barcelona players at the Britannia, which includes Bojan, Marc Muniesa and recent arrival Moha, and is familiar with fellow countrymen Erik Pieters and Marco van Ginkel.

Afellay will join his teammates for a training camp in France ahead of the club's final pre-season programme at this weekend's Colonia Cup in Germany, where they face Cologne in the opening round of fixtures.