Breaking News: Freddy Adu To Sign With MLS, Probably Wednesday in New York
By Robert Ziegler, 11.18.2003.
Sources with US Soccer and MLS say Freddy Adu has signed a multiyear deal with the American league.
A news conference announcing the 14-year old sensation's deal with MLS is tentatively scheduled to be held Wednesday in New York City. Adu and agent Richard Motzkin have been negotiating with teams from around the world, but FIFA transfer rules restricting under-18 players from playing overseas, and a desire by MLS to sign the prodigy helped seal a deal with the American league.
Adu’s signing would be a huge plus for the league, eager to capitalize on the star value of the suburban Washington DC player, who first burst onto the scene as a 12-year old phenom with the Potomac Cougars, and then the Bethesda Internationals. Adu will also be at MLS Cup festivities in Los Angeles, prior to this weekend’s championship match between Chicago and San Jose. An ABC television interview during the match is likely.
While all the discussion on Adu playing with MLS has centered on DC United, it is unclear at this point how the allocation will be sorted out.
The league decided to step up and make the investment," a source familiar with the process said. "They don't have any doubt they will be able to recoup their investment, both in terms of exposure and a future transfer."
The same source said Adu and Motzkin negotiated to ensure that the player will receive a percentage of a future transfer.
The Washington Post is reporting the deal is for six years, although seems inconsistent with FIFA regulation governing contracts for under-18 players.
Adu was born in Ghana and recently became a US citizen along with his mother and brother. He played for the U17 National Team in CONCACAF qualifying and at the FIFA U17 World Championship. Scouts for European teams have been tracking him for the past few years.
More on this story as it develops.
Last Modified: 11.18.2003
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