Real Salt Lake and D.C. United completed a blockbuster trade Monday that will shake up both rosters for the 2007 season, as Freddy Adu moves from his hometown club to the Utah team that came into the league as part of expansion two years ago.
RSL acquired Adu and the rights to goalkeeper Nick Rimando in exchange for goalkeeper Jay Nolly, a major allocation and future considerations, including a share of any future replacement allocation money attributed to Adu, should he be transferred.
Adu joins Salt Lake after three full seasons in D.C., while Rimando departs the four-time MLS Cup champions after five. Nolly goes to D.C. after spending his first two seasons with RSL.
Adu is expected to arrive in Salt Lake on Monday evening and will be making various media appearances on Tuesday, before departing for Florida to report to camp with the U.S. U-20 national team.
"This should serve as a signal to the people of Utah that we continue to be committed to building something of permanent and lasting value here in the Valley", said Real Salt Lake owner David W. Checketts. "I anticipate big things from Freddy, and I am thrilled that we were able to bring him to Salt Lake and reunite him with (RSL head) coach (John) Ellinger."
The 17-year-old Adu departs D.C. after three full seasons, during which the midfielder notched 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 career appearances. He was twice named an MLS All-Star (2004, 2006) and helped D.C. capture the 2004 MLS Cup during his rookie season. He has been a mainstay with the U.S. youth national teams and became the youngest player to earn a cap as a member of the full men's national team on Jan. 22 against Canada. His 17 career assists place him tied for eighth all-time in United history.
"This was a difficult decision for all of us at D.C. United," said United president and CEO Kevin Payne. "Freddy has been a valued member of our team both on and off the field for three years. We appreciate that he wanted the opportunity to play a different role on the field than he would have been afforded here and he will apparently get that opportunity in Salt Lake. We wish him nothing but the best."
Adu started 29 of his 32 games played this season for United. Within the last month, Adu gained experience by spending a couple weeks training with international giant Manchester United.
"It is never easy to part with players, especially one like Freddy," said United head coach Peter Nowak. "Freddy desired to play a different role than the one we offered here at D.C., so we hope this move can aid that wish. I believe Freddy greatly improved his play and knowledge of the game during his three years in D.C. and hope this move to Salt Lake further helps him as a player. We all wish him nothing but the best."
In coming to Salt Lake, Adu is set to be reunited with his former U-17 national team coach, John Ellinger. Adu spent three years under Ellinger in the U-17 residency program in Bradenton, Fla. In 2002, a 13-year-old Adu finished second on the team with 22 goals. A year later, Adu helped the U-17s qualify for the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup with a goal and an assist in a pair of 3-0 wins against Jamaica and Guatemala. He opened the tournament with a hat trick in the team's 6-1 win over South Korea and scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute in a 2-1 victory against Sierra Leone, vaulting the U.S. team into the quarterfinals, where they fell to eventual champions Brazil.
"I am thrilled with what we have been able to accomplish today", said Ellinger. "Freddy is an exceptional talent; players like him don't come along very often. With all of the hype that surrounded him entering the league at such a young age, sometimes people fail to see what a proven player he has developed into. He is no longer a great player for a young kid, he is a great player, period.
"The value he brings to our organization is hard to accurately describe. Obviously, he makes us better on the field, but he also makes us more viable off the field. His arrival will benefit the entire organization, on every level possible. I am eager to get him out on the field with his teammates; I am anticipating big things."
Rimando made just two league appearances for D.C. United in 2006, but departs as the club's all-time leader in wins (41), shutouts (29), saves (355), save percentage (72.2%) and goals-against-average (1.22). The 27-year old was named as the decade's Best XI goalkeeper by fans at the beginning of 2006.
"This trade was important for us in acquiring a major allocation," said United technical director Dave Kasper. "We have identified several players who we believe can improve our team for the 2007 season and beyond. In the end, we felt that this is the best move for Freddy's future and at the same time allows D.C. United the ability to sign new players. We thank Freddy for his contributions and wish him good luck as he begins a new phase in his career.
"We would like to thank Nick for his five years at D.C.," added Kasper. "He was a huge contributor both on and off the field, particularly during our 2004 MLS Cup championship season, and we wish him the best of luck at his new club."
Nolly joins United after spending two seasons with Real Salt Lake. The 24-year-old made seven total appearances (six starts) over two years, while serving as the primary backup to Scott Garlick. The 6-foot-3 netminder was originally selected by Salt Lake in the second round (22nd pick overall) of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft after a highly successful career at Indiana University where he helped the Hoosiers to back-to-back NCAA championships (2003 & 2004).
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
