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Benfica star open to Saints move (From Daily Echo)
When news happens, text SDE and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Freddy Adu's agent refuses to rule out Southampton move
8:30am Tuesday 8th June 2010 in Sport
By Gordon Simpson, Senior Sports Reporter
Freddy Adu
FREDDY Adu’s agent has refused to close the door on the American superstar making a shock move to St Mary’s.
Rumours have been circulating online that Saints would like to lure the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, once hailed as the new Pele, to the club.
While that seems an extremely unlikely prospect on the face of it, Adu’s representative, Richard Motzkin, has not ruled out the possibility of a switch at some stage down the line.
The Daily Echo contacted Motzkin about the rumours and asked whether Adu, a Benfica player who is on loan at Greek side Aris Thessaloniki, would be interested in a move to Saints.
Although he wouldn’t be definitively drawn on anything, Motzkin indicated the player would welcome a transfer to England.
The Los Angeles-based agent said: “Regarding the Southampton rumour, what I would say is that playing in England always has been a dream of Freddy’s and it is one that he hopes will happen in the future.”
Adu himself said on his Twitter page, when asked about the speculation, that he was not aware of any interest.
But Motzkin’s statement could provide food for thought for Saints and other clubs in this country, many of which have kept an eye on the Ghana-born player for a number of years.
Adu first burst onto the scene as a 14-year-old, when he signed a professional contract with Major League Soccer side DC United, despite Sir Alex Ferguson trying to secure his services for Manchester United.
At the time, he was hailed as the next big thing in world football.
But Adu’s star has faded enormously and he has not played regular football since leaving the American capital in 2006.
A short spell at fellow MLS franchise Real Salt Lake followed, before Portuguese giants Benfica signed him three years ago.
Things have not worked out well there, though, with most of Adu’s time spent enduring a series of unsuccessful loans around clubs in Europe.
Next season is expected to be a defining one for Adu.
If he cannot gain a real foothold in Europe, as he is desperate to do, a return to MLS is on the cards.
Having slipped out of favour in the USA national team – Adu is not going to this summer’s World Cup – he is in need of regular football somewhere.
But, even if it turned out Saints were seriously interested, a drop to League One would be a lot for Adu, who nearly joined Hull last summer, to swallow and might not be much immediate help to his international chances.
However, optimists will say it could at least provide an entry to the English game, regular football and the possibility of challenging for the Premier League within two years.
But any move to England, particularly this summer, could be beset by a number of problems.
Adu’s loan agreement with Aris runs until next summer and the Greek top-flight side also have an option to buy the player.
But given his lack of appearances for them, it seems unlikely at this stage they would take that up.
However, if a club moved for Adu this summer, they would still likely have to negotiate with Aris, as well as Benfica.
Even if a deal could be thrashed out, there is also the thorny issue of securing a work permit for a player that is currently out of favour with his national team.
Comments(64)
gosportsaint
says...
8:48am Tue 8 Jun 10
Does that make Papa Weigo a God
gosportsaint
says...
8:50am Tue 8 Jun 10
gosportsaint wrote:done, not down
How can an out of favour player who has down nothing in football, and someone I had not heard of until a few weeks ago, be a superstar. Does that make Papa Weigo a God
wallop wonderboy
says...
8:52am Tue 8 Jun 10
However, in the absense of any news from Saints the paper has to print something to fill the football pages. Roll on the season proper
The Exiled Saint
says...
8:54am Tue 8 Jun 10
Hercules Grytpype-Thynne
says...
8:56am Tue 8 Jun 10
.
Now if that came true that would be really wonderful news.
Saint Louis
says...
8:58am Tue 8 Jun 10
The Echo is becoming more desperate each day...
gosportsaint
says...
8:59am Tue 8 Jun 10
Hercules Grytpype-Thynne wrote:Now that's something I can agree with you on.
The more important rumours surround the likely rejection of PCFC's proposed CVA. . Now if that came true that would be really wonderful news.
(don't get used to it though)
stmarysmush
says...
9:02am Tue 8 Jun 10
...
puppy saint
says...
9:03am Tue 8 Jun 10
M.L.G.
says...
9:07am Tue 8 Jun 10
A genuine well done to the Echo for actually contacting the agent, but with a quote that means little like that they shouldn't have run a story.
Hercules Grytpype-Thynne
says...
9:12am Tue 8 Jun 10
We all have strong opinions about certain aspects of life and we are entitled to those opinions without others insulting us for holding them.
.
This is not yet a fascist state.
SaintRachel
says...
9:18am Tue 8 Jun 10
puppy saint wrote:ROFL
Much Adu About Nothing!
adam1981
says...
9:20am Tue 8 Jun 10
mbetts
says...
9:31am Tue 8 Jun 10
His agent?
s/w "week-data!" YEP!
Tony in Liberia
says...
9:40am Tue 8 Jun 10
Security word is "blue-wait"; that's more of a story in two words than this one! But, as an ex-pat, I welcome ANY story vaguely Saints related on this site, no matter what it is, so I say - carry on, Echo; keep up the good work of finding anything to print on days where nothing is happening!
XRT
says...
9:41am Tue 8 Jun 10
Saint Louis
says...
9:49am Tue 8 Jun 10
adam1981 wrote:The thing is Adam, I get every possible update from the Daily Echo in the hope that I will get news on season tickets, new shirts, player transfers, and other news as and when it happens.
once again people slag off the echo for trying to go after a story,i say fair play for trying to get something outta his agent.All you people who moan about the echo just sod off because you're really just making yourselves look stupid for coming on here when you quite clearly don't like there stories,i find it laughable.
Now, when I'm woken up by a text from my Echo Twitter feed, I'm usually pretty excited. When I see "Benfica star open to Saints move", I immediately get up, turn on my computer, and go to the article in anticipation for some good news. When I find out, however, that it is another pointless article written around one vague and hardly suggestive comment from his agent, I'm pretty annoyed that I've allowed myself to think that the Echo only distributes factual information.
This isn't news! Okay, so they managed to speak to his agent; they weren't able to get anything out of him apart from Adu potentially wanting to come to England.
Costa Baz
says...
9:50am Tue 8 Jun 10
Wouldn't like to see too many supporters sat there without shirts. Not a pretty sight.
gosportsaint
says...
9:53am Tue 8 Jun 10
XRT wrote:You are joking, Yes.
Who is this Papa 'Weigo' people are speaking of?
Saint Louis
says...
9:57am Tue 8 Jun 10
gosportsaint wrote:I think he means it's spelt Waigo :D
XRT wrote:You are joking, Yes.
Who is this Papa 'Weigo' people are speaking of?
gosportsaint
says...
9:59am Tue 8 Jun 10
Saint Louis wrote:Ah, my keyboard must be made by the same company as Sluggers
gosportsaint wrote:I think he means it's spelt Waigo :DXRT wrote: Who is this Papa 'Weigo' people are speaking of?You are joking, Yes.
Saint Louis
says...
10:01am Tue 8 Jun 10
gosportsaint wrote:Haha!
Saint Louis wrote:Ah, my keyboard must be made by the same company as Sluggers
gosportsaint wrote:I think he means it's spelt Waigo :DXRT wrote: Who is this Papa 'Weigo' people are speaking of?You are joking, Yes.
hedge end bob
says...
10:48am Tue 8 Jun 10
gosportsaint wrote:christ you two, no wonder it's bloody raining. i would'nt mind the new shirts being made of skin, i sit by quite a few of the opposite sex. b. o.t. g.
Hercules Grytpype-Thynne wrote: The more important rumours surround the likely rejection of PCFC's proposed CVA. . Now if that came true that would be really wonderful news.Now that's something I can agree with you on. (don't get used to it though)
Saint Tom
says...
10:51am Tue 8 Jun 10
Saint Louis wrote:thats why i joined the official sites txt alert scheme, just got tired of aticles from the echo that were not that news worthy
adam1981 wrote:The thing is Adam, I get every possible update from the Daily Echo in the hope that I will get news on season tickets, new shirts, player transfers, and other news as and when it happens.
once again people slag off the echo for trying to go after a story,i say fair play for trying to get something outta his agent.All you people who moan about the echo just sod off because you're really just making yourselves look stupid for coming on here when you quite clearly don't like there stories,i find it laughable.
Now, when I'm woken up by a text from my Echo Twitter feed, I'm usually pretty excited. When I see "Benfica star open to Saints move", I immediately get up, turn on my computer, and go to the article in anticipation for some good news. When I find out, however, that it is another pointless article written around one vague and hardly suggestive comment from his agent, I'm pretty annoyed that I've allowed myself to think that the Echo only distributes factual information.
This isn't news! Okay, so they managed to speak to his agent; they weren't able to get anything out of him apart from Adu potentially wanting to come to England.
gosportsaint
says...
10:52am Tue 8 Jun 10
hedge end bob wrote:Might increase the season ticket sales
gosportsaint wrote:christ you two, no wonder it's bloody raining. i would'nt mind the new shirts being made of skin, i sit by quite a few of the opposite sex. b. o.t. g.Hercules Grytpype-Thynne wrote: The more important rumours surround the likely rejection of PCFC's proposed CVA. . Now if that came true that would be really wonderful news.Now that's something I can agree with you on. (don't get used to it though)
Saint Louis
says...
11:06am Tue 8 Jun 10
Saint Tom wrote:Yeah, I suppose that's true. Does it cost though? I'm a little bit cheap!! Ha
Saint Louis wrote:thats why i joined the official sites txt alert scheme, just got tired of aticles from the echo that were not that news worthy
adam1981 wrote:The thing is Adam, I get every possible update from the Daily Echo in the hope that I will get news on season tickets, new shirts, player transfers, and other news as and when it happens.
once again people slag off the echo for trying to go after a story,i say fair play for trying to get something outta his agent.All you people who moan about the echo just sod off because you're really just making yourselves look stupid for coming on here when you quite clearly don't like there stories,i find it laughable.
Now, when I'm woken up by a text from my Echo Twitter feed, I'm usually pretty excited. When I see "Benfica star open to Saints move", I immediately get up, turn on my computer, and go to the article in anticipation for some good news. When I find out, however, that it is another pointless article written around one vague and hardly suggestive comment from his agent, I'm pretty annoyed that I've allowed myself to think that the Echo only distributes factual information.
This isn't news! Okay, so they managed to speak to his agent; they weren't able to get anything out of him apart from Adu potentially wanting to come to England.
hedge end bob
says...
11:10am Tue 8 Jun 10
hedge end bob
says...
11:16am Tue 8 Jun 10
St Retford
says...
11:35am Tue 8 Jun 10
puppy saint wrote:O I say, that is remarkable. Echo - log and file this an you've got an amazing headline for when the deal doesn't happen.
Much Adu About Nothing!
But back on topic, I'm not entirely sure I'd want him - he seems a bit 'troubled' and I wouldn't want any kind of disruptive influence in the dressing room.
pawnsacrifice
says...
11:41am Tue 8 Jun 10
puppy saint wrote:**** you!... I was going to use that one.
Much Adu About Nothing!
puppy saint
says...
12:08pm Tue 8 Jun 10
pawnsacrifice wrote:As You Like It! All's Well That Ends Well!
puppy saint wrote:**** you!... I was going to use that one.
Much Adu About Nothing!
oldtimesaint
says...
12:10pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Saint Louis wrote:does anyone know what happens to txt alert when you are on holiday overseas. If you receive a text overseas, you pay instead of the sender and pay at the roaming rate. That may mean that you pay high rates for receiving a txt alert while on holiday. I asked via the SUFC website but they just said refer to phone provider.
Saint Tom wrote:Yeah, I suppose that's true. Does it cost though? I'm a little bit cheap!! HaSaint Louis wrote:thats why i joined the official sites txt alert scheme, just got tired of aticles from the echo that were not that news worthyadam1981 wrote: once again people slag off the echo for trying to go after a story,i say fair play for trying to get something outta his agent.All you people who moan about the echo just sod off because you're really just making yourselves look stupid for coming on here when you quite clearly don't like there stories,i find it laughable.The thing is Adam, I get every possible update from the Daily Echo in the hope that I will get news on season tickets, new shirts, player transfers, and other news as and when it happens. Now, when I'm woken up by a text from my Echo Twitter feed, I'm usually pretty excited. When I see "Benfica star open to Saints move", I immediately get up, turn on my computer, and go to the article in anticipation for some good news. When I find out, however, that it is another pointless article written around one vague and hardly suggestive comment from his agent, I'm pretty annoyed that I've allowed myself to think that the Echo only distributes factual information. This isn't news! Okay, so they managed to speak to his agent; they weren't able to get anything out of him apart from Adu potentially wanting to come to England.
oldtimesaint
says...
12:15pm Tue 8 Jun 10
gosportsaint wrote:applies to change his seat to be nearer to bob...he seems to have a better view near him!!
hedge end bob wrote:Might increase the season ticket salesgosportsaint wrote:christ you two, no wonder it's bloody raining. i would'nt mind the new shirts being made of skin, i sit by quite a few of the opposite sex. b. o.t. g.Hercules Grytpype-Thynne wrote: The more important rumours surround the likely rejection of PCFC's proposed CVA. . Now if that came true that would be really wonderful news.Now that's something I can agree with you on. (don't get used to it though)
Tirau Dan
says...
12:21pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Saint angler
says...
12:25pm Tue 8 Jun 10
The Kit Is Coming !!!
Next few days on the OS
08.06.2010
Still Waiting !!!
Please hurry up with the new kit :)
jezza
says...
12:36pm Tue 8 Jun 10
We might now have to compete for him, pushing his price up, not to mention his wage demands.
If Saints and the Echo are going to get along, would it not be more sensible to liaise a bit more and be a bit more circumspect with the rumour-mill?
gosportsaint
says...
12:46pm Tue 8 Jun 10
If they don't come up with things like this on quiet days, what are they meant to report.
Gladys the tea lady in teabag horror,
or Paint still drying in away teams dressing room, or Pards has Shreddies for breaffast.
Give the paper a break, at least its got us posting, which we haven't been able to do for days now.
Saint Tom
says...
12:48pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Tirau Dan wrote:i think aside from the really big names, there is almost no limit to who Saints can get, and i'm loving that the club is acting in a highly professional manner
Full credit for making the call and trying Gordon. Nicola and Pards are good with work permits so getting an overseas player in could be an option. We know Saints are the only club likely to be out there spending... my bet is the players that are keen will already have appointments and a few players will already be scheduled for medicals. I think it's very professional that SFC are taking time over it and saying nothing - all cool.
Saint Tom
says...
12:54pm Tue 8 Jun 10
oldtimesaint wrote:from what i remember i got it for free, and in terms of overseas txt, if you talk to the net work your on, you can arrange an overseas deal, unless you already have overseas credit in your contract, eitherway be careful, as i've had mates get charged extortionate rates from when they went on holiday to Bulgaria
Saint Louis wrote:does anyone know what happens to txt alert when you are on holiday overseas. If you receive a text overseas, you pay instead of the sender and pay at the roaming rate. That may mean that you pay high rates for receiving a txt alert while on holiday. I asked via the SUFC website but they just said refer to phone provider.
Saint Tom wrote:Yeah, I suppose that's true. Does it cost though? I'm a little bit cheap!! HaSaint Louis wrote:thats why i joined the official sites txt alert scheme, just got tired of aticles from the echo that were not that news worthyadam1981 wrote: once again people slag off the echo for trying to go after a story,i say fair play for trying to get something outta his agent.All you people who moan about the echo just sod off because you're really just making yourselves look stupid for coming on here when you quite clearly don't like there stories,i find it laughable.The thing is Adam, I get every possible update from the Daily Echo in the hope that I will get news on season tickets, new shirts, player transfers, and other news as and when it happens. Now, when I'm woken up by a text from my Echo Twitter feed, I'm usually pretty excited. When I see "Benfica star open to Saints move", I immediately get up, turn on my computer, and go to the article in anticipation for some good news. When I find out, however, that it is another pointless article written around one vague and hardly suggestive comment from his agent, I'm pretty annoyed that I've allowed myself to think that the Echo only distributes factual information. This isn't news! Okay, so they managed to speak to his agent; they weren't able to get anything out of him apart from Adu potentially wanting to come to England.
Tevez888
says...
12:59pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Tevez & Macherano!
Adu would be a great addition and one that I think Pardew could work wonders on.
If Adu's agent has not "closed the door" then that makes me believe that we could be onto something.....
Wouldnt they normally come out and say "No comment" or "There is no truth"......
By not ruling him out, you are ruling him in!
Good Work Echo!
mox888
says...
1:02pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Part 1: http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=VHFaZeeaQ
OM
Part 2: http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=lAkDQ6xwS
QM
dadofmy3sons
says...
1:07pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Dr snuggles
says...
1:43pm Tue 8 Jun 10
we are favourites by a country mile the next team is 6/1
come on boys dont let me down.
baume
says...
2:03pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Tevez888 wrote:ahhh i remember you !!
Let us not forget that Pardew has signed big names before....... Tevez & Macherano! Adu would be a great addition and one that I think Pardew could work wonders on. If Adu's agent has not "closed the door" then that makes me believe that we could be onto something..... Wouldnt they normally come out and say "No comment" or "There is no truth"...... By not ruling him out, you are ruling him in! Good Work Echo!
you stated three weeks ago about these players we would be getting from reading in the next two days you said ........ odd that ??
OSPREYSAINT
says...
2:04pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Mac the North
says...
2:09pm Tue 8 Jun 10
lowe esteem
says...
2:21pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Avery T Decanary
says...
2:35pm Tue 8 Jun 10
StEmmosfire
says...
3:19pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Saints4Eva
says...
4:35pm Tue 8 Jun 10
dadofmy3sons wrote:I thought our big rivals and neighbours Bournemouth have been signing players!!! Come on guys be patient, AP and the players have to have a holiday although I'm sure he is 'working' whilst laying on the beach somewhere. Would be interested to know whether the season ticket sales are down following the withdrawal of the payment plan.
shut up about Adu, haven't you noticed that Uddersfelt are the only other club signing and they have already bought two players that we thought would fit with us, they obviously read this site so lets start a rumour that we are going to buy some non league crop (mispelt) and see what happens
Andyt66
says...
4:52pm Tue 8 Jun 10
I would much prefer to have Antonio and Papa Waigo in the team.
Condor Man
says...
5:59pm Tue 8 Jun 10
franiow
says...
6:38pm Tue 8 Jun 10
mack chinnon
says...
8:33pm Tue 8 Jun 10
oldtimesaint wrote:Why did you ask Sheffield United.
Saint Louis wrote:does anyone know what happens to txt alert when you are on holiday overseas. If you receive a text overseas, you pay instead of the sender and pay at the roaming rate. That may mean that you pay high rates for receiving a txt alert while on holiday. I asked via the SUFC website but they just said refer to phone provider.Saint Tom wrote:Yeah, I suppose that's true. Does it cost though? I'm a little bit cheap!! HaSaint Louis wrote:thats why i joined the official sites txt alert scheme, just got tired of aticles from the echo that were not that news worthyadam1981 wrote: once again people slag off the echo for trying to go after a story,i say fair play for trying to get something outta his agent.All you people who moan about the echo just sod off because you're really just making yourselves look stupid for coming on here when you quite clearly don't like there stories,i find it laughable.The thing is Adam, I get every possible update from the Daily Echo in the hope that I will get news on season tickets, new shirts, player transfers, and other news as and when it happens. Now, when I'm woken up by a text from my Echo Twitter feed, I'm usually pretty excited. When I see "Benfica star open to Saints move", I immediately get up, turn on my computer, and go to the article in anticipation for some good news. When I find out, however, that it is another pointless article written around one vague and hardly suggestive comment from his agent, I'm pretty annoyed that I've allowed myself to think that the Echo only distributes factual information. This isn't news! Okay, so they managed to speak to his agent; they weren't able to get anything out of him apart from Adu potentially wanting to come to England.
gosportsaint
says...
8:52pm Tue 8 Jun 10
Depending on the price, and the wages it could be a good signing
puppy saint
says...
9:09pm Tue 8 Jun 10
gosportsaint wrote:I've made a song up about him based on a/an ABBA song, Adu Adu Adu Adu
Been having a think about this one, and this lad seems to have lost his way. Maybe Pards is the man to bring him on.
Depending on the price, and the wages it could be a good signing
KyleGraham
says...
9:11pm Tue 8 Jun 10
gosportsaint
says...
9:43pm Tue 8 Jun 10
KyleGraham wrote:They're getting rid of Sammy Saint and replacing him with Kelly Brook
I'm getting so bored with this (not daily echo, just the lake of news leaving st. marys). For one we haven't released the kit, wtf?! And I know we have to be patient with transfers but I'm getting bored and there hasn't been any exciting news in weeks.
puppy saint
says...
10:22pm Tue 8 Jun 10
gosportsaint wrote:I've heard it was Monica Bellucci? The passing of any Saint hurts me!
KyleGraham wrote:They're getting rid of Sammy Saint and replacing him with Kelly Brook
I'm getting so bored with this (not daily echo, just the lake of news leaving st. marys). For one we haven't released the kit, wtf?! And I know we have to be patient with transfers but I'm getting bored and there hasn't been any exciting news in weeks.
puppy saint
says...
11:15am Wed 9 Jun 10
puppy saint wrote:I missed a/an Adu out!
gosportsaint wrote:I've made a song up about him based on a/an ABBA song, Adu Adu Adu Adu
Been having a think about this one, and this lad seems to have lost his way. Maybe Pards is the man to bring him on.
Depending on the price, and the wages it could be a good signing
Coverly
says...
2:35pm Thu 10 Jun 10
...to the tune of agado?
Although this story is as credible as a MP's expenses sheet, I still had to check this Adu out on youtube. Look pretty tasty, more likely to put bums on seats that Andrew Surman at least.
He justs need the rough edges sorted out by Pardew, much as he did with Antonio & Waigo last year.
Coverly
says...
2:37pm Thu 10 Jun 10
YOUGOTTALAUGH
says...
5:13pm Thu 10 Jun 10
He played in the world cup 4 years ago and was garbage, couldn't keep the ball and an awful first touch.
He always got amazing in champo though!
I say sign him up!
ossantos23 says...
8:39am Tue 8 Jun 10