Derek Boateng signs for Köln, but…

FC Köln have secured the signature of Ghanaian midfielder Derek Owusu Boateng, but will have to wait until the summer to get their man to the Rhein-Energie Stadion.

The Rhineland club had hoped to bring the African international to Germany during the winter break in order to help their push for Bundesliga survival in the second half of the season, but a dispute over the transfer fee has ruled out an early move.

The Beitar Jerusalem midfielder will now reportedly join the German club in the summer.

“We have come to an agreement with the player that he will join us on the 1st July 2009.  We made Beitar Jerusalem an offer with the intention of him joining us on 1st January, but the two clubs positions were far apart,” explained Köln manager Michael Meier.

Boateng will be a free agent in the summer and according to various reports the Israeli club were demanding €600,000 whereas Köln were only prepared to offer €350,000.

The player himself was also keen for an immediate move to the Geißböcke saying: “I’m sitting on packed suitcases.  For me it is clear that I should be in Köln in January.”

Boateng began his career as a striker, but has since dropped back into midfield.
Source: goal