Freddy Adu Traded In MLS

[Molson Canadian]

From Foxsports: http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/6261...SO1&ATT=HMA

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Freddy Adu was traded Monday from D.C. United to Real Salt Lake, ending a sometimes tumultuous three-year run in Washington for the highly touted teenager who clashed with his coach and was often frustrated by his role.

The 17-year-old, who recently completed a two-week training stint, will move to a club that has just completed its second year in Major League Soccer. He will also get to be an attacking midfielder, a position he never played on a consistent basis with United.

Adu's time with Real could be short-lived. His stated goal is to play for a European club, and he becomes eligible to transfer to a club outside the United States once he turns 18 on June 2.

"It is never easy to part with players, especially one like Freddy," United coach Peter Nowak said. "Freddy desired to play a different role than the one we offered here at D.C., so we hope this move can aid that wish."

United also sent goalkeeper Nick Rimando to Real Salt Lake. In return, United will receive a major player allocation, the rights to goalkeeper Jay Nolly and future considerations.

Adu became the youngest player in MLS history when he was signed in November of 2003, but his youthful temperament showed almost immediately when he was used mostly as a substitute early in his first season.

Although he eventually started 14 games as a rookie and 16 in his second season, he complained publicly both years about playing time and said the team had ruined his chances of making the U.S. team for the 2006 World Cup. Nowak suspended Adu for a playoff game in 2005 after one such outburst.

This year, Adu had a regular spot in the lineup and started 29 of United's 32 games, but he played on the wing instead of his preferred more central position. He was dejected when Nowak removed him for a substitute in the 65th minute of United's final game, a playoff loss to New England, and afterward said there were "serious talks" in the works to have him playing elsewhere next season.

Adu finished with 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 career appearances for United and helped the team win the MLS Cup during his rookie season. He has played regularly for U.S. youth national teams and became the youngest player to appear for the full U.S. team on Jan. 22 against Canada, although he was never a serious candidate for the World Cup team.

It's obvious they traded him to get something now because he won't be staying in the MLS after this season

[lildave3]

I'd imagine this will aid his progress. Playing regularly in the correct position will help him, and imo a smaller club is sometimes better to be at for a young player.

[Lemon Harpic]

Whatever happened to Nii Lamptey?

[MC Prussian]

Whatever happened to Nii Lamptey?

He had some real issues with player agents and also suffered mental problems after the death of his children. Played a while in Argentina, Germany and China. He's now back in Ghana, playing for Kumasi Asante Kotoko and running a school for 240 kids.

[Sods]

I think adu can move to europe when hes 18. So he probably will straight away. Anyone heard of that chinease 14 year old player.

[Joe.]

Makes me laugh when I hear he has been "traded"...