Fourteen years is all it took for Freddy Adu to sign his first professional contract, one that was tied with D.C. United back in 2004, which seems like a long time ago now. Three months after signing his contract, Adu received his first professional appearance in a game against San Jose Earthquakes. The attacking midfielder is the youngest ever player to score in MLS history and featured 87 times for the black and red club from the nation’s capital, scoring eleven goals during his three years at the club. A year later he transferred to Real Salt Lake where he only appeared eleven times but still caught the eye of many clubs worldwide after the 2007 U-20 World Cup where he captained the American side to the quarterfinals where the side lost to Austria 2-1 after extra time. The “American Prodigy” then signed with Benfica after the World Cup for a reported $2 million dollar fee, a transfer that would lead to his downfall.
Adu barely found time at the Portuguese club and was loaned out four times during his time at Benfica. The young star only played eleven times for Benfica, scoring just twice. In 2008, AS Monaco secured a loan deal to take Adu, but the player only appeared nine times for the French team. Benfica decided to send Adu out on loan again the next year, this time to another side from Portugal, Belenenses. In October of the season, Adu was injured and his deal was cut short. One year later Adu traveled to Greek side, Aris, where he only played five times, but scored his first goal in three years. Another year later, the player was given yet another loan move to second tier Turkish side, Çaykur Rizespor. While in Turkey, Adu made eleven appearances and scored three goals.
Philadelphia Union made a move and signed Freddy Adu from Benfica, bringing the player back to the United States after four years of being in Europe. Being back in the MLS, he appeared 35 times and scored seven goals. Later on, he joined Bahia of Brazil for a year where he got two starts, and then the next year played for Jagodina in Serbia, another failure of a move where he only made one substitute appearance. More tribulations occurred throughout the past few years as he went on trial for AZ Alkmaar, Blackpool, and Stabæk but failed to receive a contract.
Recently, Freddy Adu was contracted by Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura in which he only made five appearances in 2015. He received a loan deal to reserve side of Palloseura, Kuopio Futis -98. He actually scored twice in three matches, but his loan deal was terminated due to his consent. From American prodigy to playing for a third division side in Finland, Adu is vying for a revival. News has just broken out that the American is expressing options in the USA, for either an MLS or NASL side, a report that has team’s very interested, especially from the NASL if MLS is out of the picture on this signing.
Where should Freddy Adu go?
Talent in the MLS is increasing every year and at this point in his career, I honestly feel like there would be no interest in him, or he would not break into any of the sides. The last thing Adu needs in his career is to be a bench player for another club and that is why NASL might be in his best interest. There are teams that can afford the attacking midfielder as well, the likes of New York Cosmos, Minnesota United, and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Also, if he makes appearances in the NASL there is a feeling he can take the league by storm. Of course he has had a dismal past seven years around the world, but his quality can be shown in a league in the NASL. The player also needs to play in America, his homeland, and arguably the most comfortable place for him where he has shined the most in his career.
Minnesota United Football Club recently sold right midfielder Miguel Ibarra for a club record fee of $1 million to Mexican side, Club Leon. With no salary cap in the NASL, Minnesota United definitely have the cash to spend on the player and would create an even more lethal attack with the addition of Freddy Adu in place of Miguel Ibarra. Resurrecting his career at Minnesota and eventually working his way back up to MLS with the club would be quite the sight to see. In my honest opinion, this is the most likely destination for the player. Minnesota have been slipping in the table and a player like Adu can help them rise back up. With Miami FC and Puerto Rico FC coming into play next year in the league, Freddy Adu could also sign for one of the expansion clubs, making a name for himself at a newly founded franchise.
Adu to Armada?
This would be quite the signing for Jacksonville and could present a huge threat on the attacking front for the team who is 8th in the NASL and is lacking in forwards with quality needed for the NASL. A rotation of Pascal Millien, Alhassane Keita, Jemal Johnson, Akeil Barrett, and Freddy Adu would be an absolute masterpiece of front line who is struggling to find the back of the net as of recently. With a busy Fall Season coming up, Adu could be valuable for the club but is it what he needs? It would be amazing to see the player sign for Jacksonville but he might be better off playing for another club in the league that does not possess such a fight for positions up top. When all four players are healthy and back into the team, Adu may find a difficulty getting into the side, especially since his play has been underwhelming in the recent years. Though it would be awesome to see the player sign for Jacksonville Armada Football Club, what is better for his well being? He needs consistent first team football, and being a rotation player is not his ambition.
Minnesota United FC are a likely destination for the player, and would make the most sense. With reports coming out today about his interest in returning to America, a few teams are scurrying to begin talks with the player and more information will be revealed soon. In all honesty, we hope he returns with a bang to his home country where he redefines his career and excels at the club level.
