Freddy Adu Comes Back to MLS With Philadelphia Union
By Ty Duffy
Adu was one of the top prospects in the world in early adolescence and joined D.C. United at age 14. After an indifferent few years in MLS and a trade to Real Salt Lake, Adu signed a contract with Portuguese giants Benfica. His move to Europe would prove to be an incredible failure. Benfica loaned him to four different clubs in multiple countries over four years, failing to establish himself until finally hitting bottom in the Turkish second division.
The move reunites Adu with Peter Nowak. The two had a tumultuous relationship together at D.C. United, though Adu later thrived under him with the U-23 squad at the 2008 Olympics. He has talent on the ball. The questions, as always, are whether he is willing to dedicate himself to the level required to capitalize on it and whether a team can be built around him to minimize the effect of his positional and defensive deficiencies.
As far as his national team career goes, playing consistently, at any level, will help his game and his chances for further call ups. With MLS salaries steadily increasing, one wonders if eventually other Americans wandering in the European wilderness, such as Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, may opt for the comfort and stability of home.
[Photo via Getty]