Just over two weeks after becoming the youngest player ever to appear for the US National Team, Freddy Adu was back in the news today. First, The Times of London reported that a deal is basically done for English superclub Chelsea to purchase Adu's rights from MLS to the tune of $8.7 million. The Times went ahead with the story despite some very large obstacles standing in the way of this deal happening: one, a FIFA regulation prohibiting players from signing a contract with a team outside of their home country until they are 18 (this applies to the senior squad, not a youth system contract), and two, the fact that to get an English work permit, Freddy would have to have appeared in 75% of the National Team's matches over the past two years. 10 minutes last week probably won't cut it. But in a rare move, MLS and DC United issued a statement denying that there were negotiations happening with any team for Freddy's services. What was rare was not the press release, but the fact that it was issued so quickly, the nutcases over at BigSoccer barely had time to analyze the original Times story and start throwing out wild conspiracy theories and questioning whether there are loopholes that would allow Freddy to make this move. (I can speak with authority on this subject because I am one of those nutcases.) The statement from United also led to a story from the Associated Press that basically just rewrites the press release. All very mysterious, and if nothing else, it's some good publicity for MLS during the offseason. If this deal can be done, $8.7 million is a pretty hefty chunk of change for a small league with a tight budget, but you'd have to wonder about the business sense of selling your most recognizable star just as he seems poised for a breakthrough year. And if by some tiny chance, he does make the World Cup roster this summer, his price would undoubtedly go up. On top of that, English papers tend to get a little hyper when it comes to football transfer rumors. Now usually it's the tabloids and not a more respectable paper like The Times who would go with a story like this, but still, I'll be shocked if this deal actually comes to pass.
2.07.2006
Freddy's going to England. Oh wait, no he's not.
Just over two weeks after becoming the youngest player ever to appear for the US National Team, Freddy Adu was back in the news today. First, The Times of London reported that a deal is basically done for English superclub Chelsea to purchase Adu's rights from MLS to the tune of $8.7 million. The Times went ahead with the story despite some very large obstacles standing in the way of this deal happening: one, a FIFA regulation prohibiting players from signing a contract with a team outside of their home country until they are 18 (this applies to the senior squad, not a youth system contract), and two, the fact that to get an English work permit, Freddy would have to have appeared in 75% of the National Team's matches over the past two years. 10 minutes last week probably won't cut it. But in a rare move, MLS and DC United issued a statement denying that there were negotiations happening with any team for Freddy's services. What was rare was not the press release, but the fact that it was issued so quickly, the nutcases over at BigSoccer barely had time to analyze the original Times story and start throwing out wild conspiracy theories and questioning whether there are loopholes that would allow Freddy to make this move. (I can speak with authority on this subject because I am one of those nutcases.) The statement from United also led to a story from the Associated Press that basically just rewrites the press release. All very mysterious, and if nothing else, it's some good publicity for MLS during the offseason. If this deal can be done, $8.7 million is a pretty hefty chunk of change for a small league with a tight budget, but you'd have to wonder about the business sense of selling your most recognizable star just as he seems poised for a breakthrough year. And if by some tiny chance, he does make the World Cup roster this summer, his price would undoubtedly go up. On top of that, English papers tend to get a little hyper when it comes to football transfer rumors. Now usually it's the tabloids and not a more respectable paper like The Times who would go with a story like this, but still, I'll be shocked if this deal actually comes to pass.
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2 comments:
But, you did not tell us, do you think he should go (as a DC Fan)? What about as a US Nats fan?
As a US fan, I think it would be stupid for him to go now. There's no way he would break into the first team at this point, not with the wealth of attacking talent that Chelsea already has on that roster. So if Freddy has any hope of making the World Cup squad, it would be killed by him sitting on the bench in England.
As a DC fan, I'm split. I'd love to see him stay and be the player everyone wants him to be and lead United to MLS Cup, but I still have a bad taste in my mouth from last year's playoff debacle. As long as Freddy learned his lesson from that mess and keeps his mouth shut this year, I (and most DC fans) are happy to have him. But as soon as he starts complaining about playing time and becomes a divisive element again, I say sell him to whoever wants him.
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