American Exports: Bahia reportedly to cut ties with Freddy Adu after former prodigy fails to impress

Freddy Adu, Bahia

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Freddy Adu’s stint in Brazil with Bahia appears to be coming to a short, sharp end.


According to a report in Brazilian daily Lance, the club’s director of football Anderson Barros has indicated that 24-year-old simply hasn’t impressed coach Cristóvão Borges and will be allowed to leave at the end of his contract in December.


“He doesn’t play because we know that others are better,” Barros is quoted in the Thursday report. “He’ll finish his contract and Adu will move on. ... He’ll be free to join another club.”



Adu signed for Bahia back in April, but has featured just twice in the Brasileirão, as well as playing two games in the Copa Sudamericana.


Barros added to Lance that he has already talked to Adu about the situation and stated the forward understands he will be leaving the club.


On a more positive note, Barros also said Adu has been “very professional” in his time at Bahia, that he is “dedicated” and has integrated well with his teammates and Brazilian life.


Once heralded as a potential superstar of soccer in the United States, Bahia are Adu’s seventh team since leaving Real Salt Lake in 2007. Since then, the former D.C. United player has played for Benfica, Monaco, Belenenses, Aris, Caykur Rizespor and the Philadelphia Union.


Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.