Multiple Reports: Faryd Mondragon Set To Join The Union During Europe’s January Transfer Window

After reports out of Germany, from respected publication The Kicker, claimed last week that the Philadephia Union would be pursuing 1. FC Köln goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon it appears that the deal has been finalized. Jonathan Tannenwald, of Philly.com and The Goalkeeper, responded to The Kicker's report with one of his own, saying that no terms had been finalized and that Mondragon – at least not at that point – was not yet on the way to the Union. However, it appears that a deal has been worked out between Mondragon and the Union.

Kerith Gabriel, the Philadelphia Daily News' Union beat reporter, tweeted that not only was Mondragon on his way to the Union but that he may become the Union's highest paid player.

Faryd Camilo Mondragón Alí is 39 years old and will turn 40 during the 2011 MLS season (born on June 21, 1971). He began his career with Deportivo Cali in Colombia and worked his way through South American leagues before landing with Independiente, one of the most popular and successful Argentine clubs. After appearing 103 times for the Argentine giants, Mondragón made his first foray into European soccer, heading to Real Zaragoza in Spain. A revisit of Independiente followed his time in Spain before a return to European soccer with FC Metz resulted in a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. 185 appearances with Galatasaray put Mondragón on 1. FC Köln's radar in 2007 and the Colombian goalkeeper has appeared 94 times since joining the Bundesliga team. 

Mondragón was recently demoted to second string goalkeeper for Köln. According to GOAL.com, Kicker reported that, "Normally first choice between the sticks, Mondragon was relegated to the bench earlier this season after an altercation with former coach Zvonimir Soldo over his desire to go on international duty. This resulted in Mondragon being sent home from the team hotel and being replaced by young Croatian stopper Miro Vardovic."

The unsettled goalkeeper reportedly wants a mutual end to his contract with Köln prior to the January transfer window, which is scheduled to run until the international summer transfer window, allowing him to join the Union in late December.