The man once thought to be the savior of American soccer will now hopefully be the savior of the Philadelphia Union attack. According to multiple sources, the Union have acquired 22 year old midfielder Freddy Adu. The former DC United(where he played for Peter Nowak), RSL and Benfica man's arrival comes on the heels of the sale of the Union's leading goalscorer Carlos Ruiz to Mexican side Veracruz.
It's almost amazing to think that Adu is only 22, when you consider how long he's been in the conscience of the US soccer community. Once seen as a wunderkind and the next great American star, Adu's career hasn't exactly worked out that way. He is a two time MLS all star, but has drifted around Europe and mostly failed to impress after a high profile move to Benfica. However, Adu has been having a bit of a career renaissance in the past year, first turning in solid performances in a loan spell in Turkey last year and then impressing after being called up to the US men's national team this summer.
Adu gives the Union a creative midfielder with flexibility to move around the formation that they don't currently have. His ability to beat defenders and pass could certainly open things up for Danny Mwanga, Sebastien LeToux and the below average Union offense. The team sports one of the stingiest defenses in MLS, but ranks in the bottom half in scoring. Adu's addition could be a major boon to that attack. Plus, they get by far the most recognizable name they've ever had and a guy that could be a fixture in the US National team heading into the next World Cup.
For Freddy personally, this really seems like a great fit. He was never being used properly in Europe, he was never able to stick anywhere and get a chance to bed in. Back in the US, he'll become much more of a centerpiece of this Union team and find a level of competition that he could be very successful against.
The club will reportedly announce the signing tomorrow at PPL Park and he could be ready to make his debut as early as this Saturday when the Union host FC Dallas.