Freddy Adu's troubled time with the Philadelphia Union could be drawing to a close, and it could well present him with a unique career opportunity.
According to a report from Soccer By Ives, Adu is on the verge of sealing a move to Brazilian top-flight outfit Bahia. A transfer would give the embattled Designated Player a fresh start in a league renowned for its technical level and growing financial clout.
For the Union, the move would allow the team to avoid the unwanted possibility of having Adu occupy a DP slot and having his salary count against the cap while not playing for the club. The now 23-year-old signed with the Union in 2011, but struggled to find consistency despite the occasional flashes of brilliance, leading Union head coach John Hackworth to leave him out of the team's plans for 2013.
A report out of Brazil on Saturday morning claimed that the deal could actually be a trade of sorts, with former Brazilian international attacking midfielder Kléberson joining the Union in exchange for Adu. Kléberson, 33, has played for Atlético Paranaense, Manchester United, Besiktas and Flamengo in his career, and joined Bahia in 2012. However, he has found playing time difficult with the Tricolor recently, making only 12 since signing in July.
Bahia, based in the northern metropolis of Salvador, finished 15th out of 20 in the 2012 Brazilian Série A and are the dominant team in the Bahia state, having won the state championship on 44 occasions. Brazilian soccer is currently in the middle of its state championship, with the national league set to kick off on May 26 and run until December.
The Philadelphia Union did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.
