The US international moved to Portugal nearly a year ago but found first-team opportunities very limited during his first season in Europe.
Nonetheless, Adu is very happy with life at Benfica as he acknowledges that his European experience has turned him into a much better player.
The 19-year-old's performances for the United States national team have drawn plaudits and caught the eye of Genoa, who managed a respectable tenth-place finish in Serie A last term.
The Eagles are uninterested in selling Adu right now, but loaning out the player for him to get more games under his belt seems a strong possibility.
Nonetheless, the former D.C. United forward may well stay at Benfica if he manages to impress new coach Quique Flores during the pre-season.
Commenting on his situation at Benfica, Adu told ESPN: "It is not easy to be out of the coach's plans, but I have to face it like a man, like a professional.
"If I want to be better than the others, I have to work ten times more."
Goal.com - Portugal - Genoa Want Adu