News / Sports
D.C. United Bids Adieu to Freddy Adu, Sends Star to Real Salt Lake.
D.C. United shipped one of the most popular players in the MLS off to Real Salt Lake for a reserve goalkeeper and the right to sign a major player.
Freddy Adu’s three year run in Washington ended on Monday after his team decided to trade him for Jay Nolly and a future player. The trade ended a sometimes tumultuous relationship between the star and his club. At 14-years-old Adu signed with D.C. United and became the youngest professional athlete in modern U.S. team history.
It didn’t take long for Adu to show his age as he often complained about playing time and his position on the field. Now 17, Adu has continued to express his desires to move from a wing position to the central midfield or forward position. With league MVP Christian Gomez and fan favorite Jamie Moreno at those spots it became apparent that the Ghana-born Adu would not earn either of those positions.
In a statement released by D.C. United, club President and CEO Kevin Payne said “Freddy has been a valued member of our team both on and off the field for three years. We appreciate that he wanted the opportunity to play a different role on the field than he would have been afforded here and he will apparently get that opportunity in Salt Lake. We wish him nothing but the best.”
The move should place Adu in his desired forward position. Real Salt Lake will look to capitalize on the young stars marketability as well.
Adu scored 11 goals in his 87 regular season games with United.
