Adu transfer to Benfica imminent

 

The Freddy Adu era in MLS is all just about over.

Sources in MLS state that a transfer to Portuguese power Benfica is on the verge of going through. No word on the transfer amount yet but the Washington Post's Steve Goff reported that MLS is asking for $7.5 million for the 18-year-old playmaker.

If Adu does leave it would signal the not so amazing Adu Era in MLS. It is hard to believe that the Adu circus began more than three years ago. Count me among the people who thought he would be dominating MLS around now. That never happened and now it never will since Adu is riding the wave of an impressive Under-20 World Cup to bolt for Europe while he still can garner some serious interest.

I think the move is a smart one for Adu, who needs to play in a better environment with more talent around him than he had at Real Salt Lake. I know the overly optimistic fans in Utah are happy again after watching their team beat Everton in a friendly on Saturday but the club is still in shambles and Adu is better off developing with a team like Benfica, where expectations won't be too high and he can be brought along slowly.

What do you think of Adu's pending move to Benfica? Do you think he should stay in MLS? Are you glad to see him leave? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Brad]

He definitely should not stay in the MLS. No matter what he should go somewhere.

Benfica seems like it would fit his style, which is a plus. He's not going to be up against some mammoth EPL physicial defenders and he's not going against some small time clubs in the SPL. I think he could be successful and Benfica is usually up near the top of the Portuguese league, so I'm all for it.

It's disappointing that we'll probably never get coverage of one of his games here in the States, but I'm all for him growing as a player so he can help the US MNT.

I think ESPN or FSC or someone should get rights to a few games where some US soccer players are playing, i.e. Fulham, Rangers, etc. to help American soccer fans become fans of American soccer players overseas. I realize it's difficult to secure a contract based on one team's games, but I think if someone could pull it off, they'd get pretty decent ratings.

[Brad]

Oh, and it should be interesting to see if the MLS can get 7.5 million. I wouldn't think he was worth that and I think it might be a sticking point. If the MLS blocks this move, you're likely to see a revolt.

[Matt]

It would be a great thing for him to go. He needs a different environment to develop which can only help him and our national team down the road. As someone pointed out, I wish we would be able to see some more of his games, but I think it is a good move for him.

[Nick]

I think this is a great move for Adu, but I just wish that if he is definitely moving to Lisbon that he would go to Sporting instead of Benfica. I HATE Benfica. That said, the more free-flowing Portuguese football should really help to improve his game and I wish him all the best in an amazing city.

[Sandro]

I think if this happens it will be great for Adu, MLS and US Soccer. It will be good for him to develop his talents. Hopefully he will have a good career in Europe which should help promote MLS. Overall, Adu can play for the US National team and hence his development will sure help the US National team. Ives, does this mean the Adu and Beckham may never play against each other on the MLS stage?

[Brian]

Hopefully it goes through. I don't know much about the Portuguese league so it will be interesting to see how he will be developed. Do they typically loan young players out, or is there a competitive reserve league?

[Sandro]

Good luck Freddy!

[lawrenceterp]

I think this is a good deal for everyone. Freddie's dream is to play in Europe so you've got to let him go.

Some may look at this at his stint in MLS as a failure but I see it differently. I think he came in as a wild, untamed talent and has refined himself to the point where he'll get the largest transfer fee in MLS history. The league is too good for him to just dominate as a 17 year old. I can't wait to see how he does in Portugal.

[Stone]

Benfica.... hahaha suckers

Of course this would be a great move for Freddy and to get an American in the Portuguese First Division.

[Fuegofan]

Thank goodness it's not to one of the brutally physical leagues like the Scottish PL or EPL. Adu likes the free-flowing game, not the rock 'em sock 'em game. I think that's one of the reasons he hasn't flourished so much in MLS. He, Beasely, and Dempsey should all play on the Iberian Peninsula.

[sublicon]

Benfiiiiiicaaaaaaaaa! Benfiiiiiicaaaaaaaaa!

[Tim]

I wish him the best and hope he can become a key contributor of the USMNT in 2010 or 2014.

[Trvr]

Freddy should definitely go to europe, the money rsl will get from the transfer can help us get some better talent and maybe make a playoff run (gasp)or at least scrap together a respectable season. maybe the freddy money can become jay jay money.

[MattinJapan]

wow couldn't get into the web page for a while there, everyone biting down like sharks I suppose.

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES, please oh please leave the hinterland and move forth!!!!!!!!!!!!

he won't be able to work on his standing up under the face of a tough challenge game, but the best aspects of his game should flourish in Benefica.

[Collin]

@Fuegofan

Great point!

[Tricky Ricky]

It's a good move, but we have to keep in mind that Man U paid a combined $80 million for two players around the same age. Alexandre Pato is also supposed to be worth $30 mil. And I don't even have to mention the value of Messi, Robinho, Rooney at the same age.

Wasn't Freddy supposed to be that good?

[AlexS]

To Tricky Ricky:

He outplayed Pato, and I think he's better overall than Pato. The difference is that he's small for an attacking mid, while Pato is a technical and physical striker. Also, Adu has not shone in the domestic league like Pato has in Brazil. That's a lot of why his value is less. There is a lot of uncertainty of who the real Freddy is, so he's not going to go for the big bucks the other youngsters went for.

[Jeff]

Headline: "MLS bids Freddy adu"

[Nathanhj]

Good for Freddy.

He showed at the U-20 World Cup that when he's in his favored position he can make things happen.

Against teenagers.

Still, now is his best shot at developing as a full player in a competitive environment with possible Champions League games.

Like everyone else says, better the Iberian Peninsula than most other Euro leagues (the Dutch league would be one exception).

I'd love for him to develop into a true game-changing playmaker with style. Something the US midfield has had, well, never.

RSL was never going to give him the challenge he needs to get better and better.

Hope he rises to the challenge.

[Brad]

Jeff. Wow. That was such a sweet pun. You deserve a medal. Seriously.

[Trex]

I support this move, I think it is the best for Adu. I think that if he stayed in MLS his development would be significantly hindered. He has been a dissapointment so far here, but he is still very young and has the opportunity to still develop into a star. If he is going to do that, a move to Europe NOW is the only chance he'll get. I think the USMNT will be reaping the benefits of this in 2010.

[Music]

he is that god, but he's also American.

[Music]

typo^

[Chrisnj]

this would be the best thing for Adu's career at this point! We need to get more of our young talent over in Europe!

[shaj]

this is a good move - we can see him when benfica plays man u in the champions league (and they always do somehow). surprisingly most of the time benfica wins too.

i also can see fsc/gol tv buying a few games freddy will be in