Escobar Update: More Concrete Transfer Numbers, Player Linked to Other Teams

The situation concerning young Colombian forward/winger Andres "Manga" Escobar continues to heat up. The player was linked last night to the Philadelphia Union (and to the Portland Timbers) and today the player has continued to be linked to Major League Soccer.

Here's an article from reputable Colombian soccer website FutbolRed.com, which brings us further updates on the Escobar story. It confirms the possible transfer fee that MLS agent Michael Wheeler gave us last night of $900,000 for 50% of the player's rights. But the most important tidbit of information from that story is here:

El equipo al que iría el delantero lo definirá la MLS  y por ahora guardan reserva en la institución, pero lo que sí es definitivo es que la oferta satisface a directivos, representante y jugador por lo que el negacio está prácticamente cerrado.

The quote translates as follows: "The team that the forward would go to will be defined by MLS and for now the league is keeping it under wraps, but what is certain is that the offer satisfies the front office, the agent, and the player and therefore the deal is practically done."

That would be an interesting wrench to throw into the situation, as it suggests that MLS will decide to which team they allocate Escobar. Other info, including another team Escobar has been linked to, after the break.

We've dug up another story, this one from El Heraldo, that comes from March when FC Dallas was closing their deal with Fabian Castillo. The article suggests that Escobar could have been close to joining Castillo, who was his teammate at Deportivo Cali.

It also reveals that the two players share an agent in Helmut Wennin, who seems to be quite apt at marketing his players here in North America. One other interesting fact is that Union goalkeeper and captain Faryd Mondragon got his start at Deportivo Cali, which establishes a firm link between Escobar and the Union.

Only time will tell if Major League Soccer will close this deal, but we won't have to wait long as the transfer deadline will close tonight at midnight. Stay tuned to the Brotherly Game all day for updates on "Manga" Escobar. And finally, for your viewing pleasure, take a look at this highlight video: