Reds boss Keith Hill has followed up the loan acquisition of Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger with a similar move for Manchester City wonderkid Gai Assulin.
The 20 year old started his youth career in his native Israel with Hapoel Haifa and Beitar Nes Tubruk but was quickly snapped up by Spanish giants Barcelona in 2003.
Assulin went on to score 13 goals in 67 games for the Barcelona B team – who play in the Spanish second division between 2007 and 2010 - but his time with the Catalonians was beset by injury. He was however called up to Barca’s first team squad in December 2009, before signing for Manchester City on a free transfer. He is yet to make his debut for Roberto Mancini’s superstar squad but is a regular on the international scene, having gained 18 Israel Under 21 caps and he made his full debut for the senior side against Chile in 2008. He was 14 days shy of his 17th birthday, and therefore became the youngest player to ever represent the Israel senior team. He also holds this record at Under 21 level.
Assulin has signed on at Oakwell until 3rd January 2012.