The former Barcelona and Real Madrid forward, who was used chiefly as a substitute for Benfica last season, put pen to paper on a contract with Malaga until June 2013.

Saviola's arrival comes as a welcome boost for Malaga, who sold Salomon Rondon to Rubin Kazan‎ and Santi Cazorla to Arsenal in the past month.

Meanwhile, Schalke have completed the signing of Netherlands international Ibrahim Afellay from Barcelona on a one-year loan deal.

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova recently revealed Afellay was unlikely to play a major role at Camp Nou this season, prompting the 26-year-old to seek a move for his development.