Union announces signing of Freddy Adu

The Union announced the signing of Freddy Adu this morning and will introduce its newest player at a news conference at noon at PPL Park.

Adu was acquired on a free transfer from Sports Lisboa e Benfica, of the Portuguese First Division. Terms were not disclosed.

Union manager Peter Nowak and Adu were together for three seasons (2004-06) with D.C. United, which won the MLS Cup in that first season. In that span, the precocious teen, hyped as the future of U.S. Soccer, scored 11 goals and added 17 assists in MLS matches. Adu was signed to a pro contract at 14.

Adu, 22, hasn't scored that many goals as a journeyman with six European clubs over the past 5 years (nine goals).

When Adu returns to MLS, it will be a great comeback story. After leaving MLS in 2007 after playing a half of a season with Real Salt Lake (two goals in 11 games), he landed in Portugal with Benfica. But Benfica ended up doubling as a soccer club and pawn shop, lending Adu out to four clubs over a 3-year period. He was a teammate of Ruiz' in Greece when the pair played for Aris FC in 2010.

No doubt Nowak has kept an eye on Adu, who has proved his worth via the U.S. national team. He has been capped 17 times with the senior national team. Adu has represented the national team at all levels, competing in the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He also starred in three U20 FIFA World Cups in 2003, 2005 and 2007. Under Nowak's guidance, Adu was one of the top players in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

It has been rumored Adu was on Chivas USA's radar, but the Union stepped up and staked its claim.