Adu Loaned to Belenenses

After a long saga of speculation and rumor, Freddy Adu finally has found a destination for a season-long loan away from Benfica. For awhile, Odense BK of Denmark appeared to be close to finalizing a deal that would have brought the 20 year old American into the SAS Liga, but the negotiations stalled over Adu’s salary. With just hours to go before the transfer window closes, Adu was able to get a move done, moving to fellow Portuguese side Belenenses. The Lisbon-based team plays just miles away from Benfica’s Estadio da Luz, and it is one of only two teams outside the “big three” of Benfica, Sporting, and Porto to win the Portuguese Liga (with their lone title coming in 1945-46).

Adu will look to gain valuable playing time with this loan, though many American fans still have memories of his failed loan to Monaco lurking in the backs of their minds. To regain the form and confidence that made him one of the USMNT’s most exciting prospects, it’s critical that Adu gets regular playing time in a good league. The Portuguese Liga suits Adu’s technical style well and should help him grow as a player. Though there remains a slim outside chance at making the 2010 World Cup roster, Adu’s focus should solely be on his club career for the time being. Adu must simply focus on producing for his club over the next year, as it could prove critical in whether he is ultimately transferred to a new club or reintegrated into Benfica’s plans for the future next season. If he can play very well at Belenenses, the call will come from Bob Bradley, but the national team should take a backseat for now to his club pursuits.

Belenenses finished 15th out of 16 teams in the Portuguese Liga last season, but were saved from relegation due to the financial struggles of 11th placed Estrela da Amadora. O Belém will be looking to secure safety once again, with their only real shot at silverware coming in the Portuguese Cup. The team, despite its recent struggles, has played in the first division for 72 years, second only to the aforementioned “big three”. The club has won the Portuguese Cup three times, with the most recent coming in 1989.

So how do you feel about Adu’s loan? Glad to see him stay in Portugal? Disappointed that he won’t be at a bigger team? Just relieved that he isn’t rotting on Benfica’s bench for a year?

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