Posted at 10:01 a.m., Monday, July 30, 2007
Soccer: U.S. teen star Adu eyes move to Europe
Advertiser Staff
LISBON, Portugal — Freddy Adu arrived today in Portugal to negotiate personal terms on a move to Benfica from Major League Soccer.The MLS and Benfica have already agreed on a $2 million transfer fee for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who was captain of the U.S. team at the under-20 World Cup this year.
Adu was to hold talks with Benfica officials and undergo a medical test, the club said in a statement.
He has been one of the highest-profile stars of MLS since he signed with D.C. United in November 2003 at age 14, becoming the youngest player in the league's history.
Real Salt Lake acquired Adu from D.C. United last year knowing that when he turned 18 last month he would become eligible under FIFA rules to move to a foreign club.
Benfica has traditionally been one of Europe's stronger clubs, but it has not been able to match the spending of teams in wealthier leagues such as England, Italy and Spain. Benfica finished third in the Portuguese league last season behind Porto and Sporting Lisbon
