Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar will not be offering Freddy Adu a contract, after the American failed to impress while on trial. The Dutch side announced the news via their official website.
So it’s back to the drawing board for the 25-year-old. Adu has been without a club for more than eight months, after being released from Brazilian side Bahia in November 2013. Since then he’s found himself on trial with Blackpool, in the English Championship, but was not offered a contract. Former USMNT coach Bob Bradley, now in charge at Norwegian club Stabaek, brought him in for a two-week trial, but no contract was forthcoming.
Adu began his professional career with DC United, scoring 12 goals in 87 appearances. He’s yet to find a stable home since then, however. A quick spell at Real Salt Lake, combined with an impressive showing at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, proved his springboard to Europe. But despite being on Benfica’s books for four years, Adu only made 11 appearances with the Portugese side, instead being loaned out to four other clubs.
He returned to MLS in August 2011, playing for the Philadelphia Union. But a year and a half later, he was on his way again, headed for Bahia. Adu played just twice for the Brazilian side before being cut.
Adu told Dutch broadcaster NOS during the trial: “I still believe I can make it as a footballer. I’m only 25 years old. If this adventure doesn’t work out, well, there’s always something else.”
It’s a bit hard not to feel sorry for the guy.