In the most surprising MLS trade in history, D.C. United today announced the club has traded teen-aged star Freddy Adu and the rights to goalkeeper Nick Rimando to Real Salt Lake. In return, United receives a major allocation, the rights to goalkeeper Jay Nolly 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 after five.
ôThis was a difficult decision for all of us at D.C. United,ö said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. ôFreddy 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.ö
ôThis trade was important for us in acquiring a major allocation,ö said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. ôWe 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 FreddyÆs 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.ö
ôIt is never easy to part with players, especially one like Freddy,ö said United head coach Peter Nowak. ôFreddy 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.''
Adu departs D.C. after three full seasons with United. The midfielder notched 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 career appearances. He helped D.C. capture the 2004 MLS Cup during his rookie season. He has been a mainstay with the U.S. Youth National Teams aince 2003 and made his first appearance for the senior national team in 2006.