One of the rumors flying around is that Chivas USA will grab Freddy Adu before the European transfer window closes in August.

He’s currently ‘playing’ on for the Portuguese powerhouse Benfica. I say ‘playing’ because he’s hardly played for them at all. He’s ridden the pine and been loaned out, but he’s hardly played for them at all over the last few years. The only reason any is really talking about him again is because he went on loan to a second division team in the Turkish league, put in the work and made a real difference for them. Then, he got called up to play for the national team in the Gold Cup and when he was finally given his favored trequartista role, excelled in holding onto possession and played some excellent passes to open opposing defenses.

But he still looks unlikely to get any playing time for Benfica.

If he came back to Major Leage Soccer, Chivas would be my first choice for him. My hometown team right now is DC United, but his time here was only moderately successful and think maybe we should say that the moment for him here has come and gone.

I also lived in Los Angeles and Chivas USA was my team during that time (I’m not just a leaf on the wind – my true team were the Tampa Mutiny, but they are gone forever, I fear; everyone else is just a substitute for my true love). They could use some sparkle and pizzazz. If Adu were really given a chance to shine and given a central playmaking role with little defensive responsibilities (either in a 4-2-3-1 or at the top of a midfield diamond), then he could really make that team – known more for hard work and grit, than flair – shine.

That said, I’d like to see him stay in Europe. Portugal would, in theory, be perfect for him: a league heavy on offense with frankly weak and not very physical defenses. But that train has left the station. A mid-table team in the Netherlands looking for a possession oriented quarterback or even a team in France’s second division would suit him to a tee, but the transfer window is almost over and getting on the field for Chivas USA is better than sitting on a bench for Benfica.