On the day that Real Salt Lake released its financial records to Salt Lake County, the organization made a bold move that could help the team on the field and in the financial books.

Salt Lake stunned the MLS community Monday afternoon by announcing it had captured the rights to 17-year-old star Freddy Adu in a trade with D.C. United.

Perhaps the most recognizable soccer player in the United States, Adu, along with goalkeeper Nick Rimando, come to Salt Lake in exchange for a major financial allocation and goalkeeper Jay Nolly.

"Freddy will make us better. The kid can play," said RSL coach John Ellinger, who previously coached Adu on the U.S. U-17 National Team. "To me, it's a soccer move. It's a business move, but I've seen enough of this kid since he was 12 years old to know that he can play."

Ellinger met Adu at the Salt Lake Airport late Monday, and, according to the coach, Adu is pleased to be coming to RSL.

"He's just very happy," Ellinger said.

Since the deal was announced, many around MLS have wondered just how long Adu will be a Real player. He has repeatedly stated he dreams of eventually playing for one of Europe's super clubs. Adu will turn 18 next summer, making it possible for other clubs to attempt to negotiate his transfer from MLS.

However, Ellinger said Adu, who's under contract until 2009, will play at least one full season with RSL. After that, Ellinger said, Salt Lake will take a wait-and-see approach with its new star attraction.

"We know for certain he's here for the entire 2007 season," Ellinger said.

Adu played under Ellinger for three years with the U-17 National Team. Of course, when he started with the squad, Adu was a 13-year-old phenom. Adu previously enjoyed success against international competition as he helped the team to the U -17 World Cup in 2003.

He was also the youngest player ever to appear for the senior squad when he entered as a substitute against Canada in January of this year. He has grown both in skill and in mental knowledge of the game since coming into MLS.

During his three years with D.C. United, Adu often found himself playing as a wide midfielder, instead of his preferred position in the center of the field. Ellinger said he plans to use Adu in the middle, either as a forward behind Jeff Cunningham or as a central midfielder.

"I think he'll have more freedom," Ellinger said. "...I just feel he needs to be more central."

Adu tallied 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 appearances with D.C. United.

During Salt Lake's first two seasons of existence, Adu torched Ellinger's squad. Several of Ellinger's former U-17 stars have scored critical goals against RSL, and Ellinger said he's finally glad to get one of those guys on his squad.

"I'm just thrilled he's no longer scoring goals against us."

Adu will be introduced at a press conference today at 11 a.m. at the Grand America.

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