1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
India electionsIranIsrael-Hamas war

Dutch duo move to Bundesliga

David RaishAugust 31, 2012

The Dutch duo of Rafel van der Vaart and Ibrahim Affelay were the biggest names to move to Germany's Bundesliga Friday on deadline day deals, joining Hamburg SV and Schalke respectively.

https://p.dw.com/p/161WR
Rafael van der Vaart of Tottenham Hotspur runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Valencia CF and Tottenham Hotspur at Estadio Mestalla on August 9, 2012 in Valencia, Spain.
Image: Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart returned to his former club, Hamburg SV, in a 13-million-euro ($16.27 million) deal just hours before the summer transfer window closed.

The 29-year-old Dutchman played three seasons at Hamburg before moving to Real Madrid in 2008. He transferred to Tottenham exactly two years ago from the Spanish giants on a similar deadline day deal.

"Returning to Hamburg fulfills a dream for my family and me," van der Vaart said. "I am looking forward to three terrific years," referring to the term of his new contract.

"I am thrilled that Rafael van der Vaart has rejoined [Hamburg]," said head coach Thorsten Fink. "He will be a great addition to our team."

The Dutch international has 100 caps for his country and has appeared in three European Championships and two World Cups.

Afellay joins Schalke

Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay also moved to the Bundesliga Friday after completing his medical, joining Schalke on a one-year loan. The former PSV Eindhoven standout struggled to find a first team place with the Spanish club after suffering a serious knee injury a year ago.

The 26-year-old Afellay, who has 41 caps for the Netherlands, will hope to secure regular playing time with in Germany.

German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (L) vies with Dutch forward Ibrahim Afellay during the Euro 2012 championships football match the Netherlands vs Germany on June 12, 2012 at the Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv.
Afellay was a member of Holland's Euro 2012 squadImage: Getty Images

"I am looking forward to Ibrahim," said Schalke head coach Huub Stevens. "He has special qualities and can play in many positions. In Eindhoven he played centrally, but he can also go on the left or right.“

Schalke sent Spanish midfielder Jose Manuel Jurado to Spartak Moscow on loan to help finance the deal. The 26-year-old former Real and Athletico Madrid man will remain with the Russian club for one year.

Greuther Fürth sign Edu

Greuther Fürth signed Schalke striker Edu on loan until the end of the year. The 30-year-old Brazilian scored five goals in 42 league appearances over two years with the Gelsenkirchen club, but has recently struggled with injuries and fallen out of favor.

"I am very happy that this transfer worked at the last minute," head coach Mike Büskens said. "Edu brings great international experience with him and knows the Bundesliga inside out. He can help stabilize our young team that is still somewhat lacking in terms of Bundesliga experience.“

Edu has previously played for Bundesliga clubs VfL Bochum and Mainz. He spent last season on loan at Besiktas in Turkey, scoring three goals in 25 games.