Estimate Freddy Adu's value to MLS...

[superdave]

Originally posted by DanRod78
The MLS should do everything and anything to keep Freddy Adu in the US.
Freddy Adu is worth billions to MLS,
Billions?

Summer vacation is over here. Clearly, that's not the case around the country.

[ctruppi]

Interesting posts re Adu vs Landon (and all the other WC guys) and impact on MLS. IMHO I think we overestimate the "popularity" garnered by the WC run last summer. The ratings were really good, but I think this was the unification of a Balkanized soccer nation that finally came together for a brief moment rather than Joe Sixpack and the unwashed masses in the suburbs being converted to the beautiful game. Sure, there was general interest in the country at large, but at the end of the day, I don't think suburbanites could tell you much more detail than a general, "yeah, we're making a run in the WC". Certainly, I don't see any new-found face and/or name recongition w/the USMNT players. Therefore, after the WC, the various soccer-loving ethnic groups that have shunned MLS so far, but were interested in the US run went back to business as usual. The problem is that these people at one time or another have seen and heard about all the players in the USMNT and though they thought players like Landon are good, never truly thought they were great. Most, if asked would honestly tell you that the US was just a bunch of good players with a very good coach who clicked at the right time. It happens every WC (see Belgium '86, Camroon '90, Ireland '98). I don't think they placed this "WOW, I have to see this guy again" value on any of the players involved.

With Adu things could be different. He is a special player and considered special by most people around the world. After seeing his hilight reel you get that "I need to see him play" thinking going that could create a stir among non-MLS following, soccer-loving ethnic types. He, unlike Donovan and Mathis (who got the most press time for J/K) is a dark-skinned immigrant living the American dream, which plays well with the Latino and other immigrant groups. His coming-out party has been spectacular so far and has been televised on Spanish-language tv (with unbelievable praise thrown by the Spanish commentators "Es un jugador de otro livel" I heard several times during yesterdays broadcast). In short, he is the 1st (and only Amrican player so far) that could have the unifying effect for a fractured soccer-loving public. What this affect could be I don't know. But I think it's safe to say that the factors with the WC guys and Adu are distinct cases and Adu will probably (if he stays in MLS) have a bigger impact.

Again, just my $.02!!

[pc4th]

Originally posted by da_cfo
Bingo.



Man U is a NIKE team.



I don't believe your reasoning in which partially Adu will choose Man U because Man U is a NIKE team and Adu signs with NIKE is relevant. He might choose Man U over MLS but I don't think NIKE will prefer that he will do so. I believe NIKE will prefer Adu to stay put and play with MLS. Ask yourself, where would NIKE want Adu to play at? MLS or Man U Youth Team when he is 15-18? They will be selling a lot more shoes to American Soccer Kids if they see him play on ESPN or in person. How much of Adu will American buyers will see if Adu is play in a youth team in England. Sure, Adu will sell some NIKE in England, but he will sell a lot more if he plays in MLS. NIKE marketing can turn him into a star, (he is already the most well-know AMerican soccer player) because he is only 15 and playing against people much older than he is. If he is really good, a lot of American soccer kids/teenagers will want to emulate him thus buying NIKE shoes. If he is in England, there will be no such exposure until he is 18.

[superdave]

GersMan has an interesting approach he's learned of, on another thread. (You can read more over at Youth National Teams.)

1. Freddy signs a normal-type contract with MLS.
2. In that contract, there's a standard minimum release clause, but it specifies ManU as the only club that can get him by meeting that price.
3. Freddy is allowed to go train in England for a few months every year.

I don't see the legal problem with that.

But I don't see what Freddy gets out of it. To me, the money move is to sign a standard 3 year MLS contract, expiring Dec. 31, 2006. Then field the offers until he turns 18 in June, report to camp in July, and off he goes.

I just don't see the lack of freedom Freddy is chaining himself to as being worth a couple of months of training in Manchester. To me, if his agent recommends that deal, that's legal malpractice.

Unless ManU and Freddy have an unwritten agreement, but unwritten agreements aren't worth the paper they're not printed on.

Still, that makes alot of sense both for ManU and MLS.

[DanRod78]

You all need to stop paying so much attention to how much money Freddy Adu would get paid if he played in Europe, because that's not the only way a super-star makes money.

I really think that Freddy Adu's options are to go to Europe and become one more player and be forgotten by the American fans unless he is playing for the national team. Or staying in MLS, sign marketing deals with american sport brands that are willing to make a hell lot of money for a super-star to sponsor their products.

The best example of this is Lebron James who had Reebok, Adidas and Nike fighting to get him to sponsor their brands. Lebron James finally decided to take the 7 year $90million dollars contract with Nike and he still hadn't playing one game in the NBA.

I'm not saying that Freddy Adu will get that much money, but I think that the marketing money he would get in the US would make up for the money he wouldn't get as a salary in the MLS.

[bostonsoccermdl]

Originally posted by DanRod78
You all need to stop paying so much attention to how much money Freddy Adu would get paid if he played in Europe, because that's not the only way a super-star makes money.

I agree. I sincerely doubt that Freddy/his family is that concerned about nickel and diming/and rushing along a long term lucrative career domestically or abroad.

Unless their is a serious injury that occurs (lets pray that it doesnt) Freddy will be a multimillionaire by his 20 birthday.

Emelia obvioulsy has turned down big bucks before in order to do what is right for his personal development...

So whether he leaves at 15 or leaves at 18, he will be paid so much friggin money, IT SIMPLY wont matter what he does....
Having said that, I bet he takes the MLS $$$ and other domestic endorsements until his 18th and then hops over to the EPL (with a mega contract and plays right into first team ball rather than on a development team...

[MikeLastort2]

Freddy Adu's value to MLS?

http://www.nrk.no/img/205404.jpeg

One Million Dollars

[jri]

Andy- Before Freddy plays for DC United, the amount of press he is going to get (I predict an SI cover, just like Landon) is going to be phenomenal.....he will carry more interest than WC 2002 boys, simply because he is a better sports story for your "Joe" sports writer (who even hates soccer)- a young, black 14 year old with a maturity beyond his years...even the age angle is interesting....and he is EXCITING to watch (never a given in soccer)...playing pro against the men...Freddy is someone a non-soccer fan can root for...

I think it is naive to believe he won't get MORE pub than Landon got...of course he will.....before he even plays a lick.....his recognition factor is going to blow by Landon before that first game...but likely stop short of Mia....

I also think his 1st appearance in most cities WILL draw a few thousand more to the first game (don't know about follow-ups)...the curiosity factor will be not-Tigeresque, but respectable and in full (for soccer) force.....The kid is going to be FREAKIN' 14 for part of the season!

[Deuteriumoxide]

Originally posted by MikeLastort2
Freddy Adu's value to MLS?

http://www.nrk.no/img/205404.jpeg

One Million Dollars

curses. you beat me to it.

Good one.

Here's to hoping DC United goes the way of the Mutiny before Freddy joins the league.

=D

[MadridForever]

I think that the best for the american soccer will be that he played 1 or 2 years in the MLS. But he is only 14 YEARS OLD!!!!

I don't believe that it's a good idea that a boy of 14 years old, carry the weight of being the star of the MLS. He would be a lot of pressure for a player so young, and it could be very bad for his future.

I think that the best option would be that he played in the young teams of a big european team(Ajax,Real Madrid, Manchester, ...), where he could continue improving as human being and as soccer player until he was prepared to play in the highest level.

I have seen how many players of his age that the people said that they were going to be the next Pele/Maradona, finally only were average players. And many of them not even that. And all of them had a great potential.

Adu is a extraordinary player of 14 years old, but only that.

[ussoccer1001]

Originally posted by dawgpound2
The danger with Freddy becomes when, inevitably, MLS goes on to sell him (if indeed he signs with MLS). Do all those people, TV deals, publicity, etc dry up and make the league worse off then before he arrived? You have to be careful as a young, fragile league, in marketing exclusively one young man.

Good points.

Although, I think what MLS really needs to do is bring fans in and I think many that come in for Freddy Adu will stay. Plus, as we have seen the league has improved over the last few years so by the time Freddy starts and by the time he leaves the league will have improved. So with it will be a better league after Adu then before.

[QPR Kevin H]

Originally posted by jri
.....his recognition factor is going to blow by Landon before that first game...but likely stop short of Mia....
I agree. Fortunately for Freddy, he shows signs of having an actual personality - so in that regard he'll fly by Mia in marketing terms.

[Kevin Etzel]

Originally posted by MadridForever
I think that the best for the american soccer will be that he played 1 or 2 years in the MLS. But he is only 14 YEARS OLD!!!!

I don't believe that it's a good idea that a boy of 14 years old, carry the weight of being the star of the MLS. He would be a lot of pressure for a player so young, and it could be very bad for his future.



It is in the best interest of american soccer and the MLS to do what is in the best interest of Freddy Adu. As said above he in only 14 years old. I can't see how making him a professional soon and risking damage to his emotional and social development is in his best interest. I know he has been reported to be quite mature for his age, but 14 is still very young. If he indeed is signed soon by the MLS and has trouble dealing with the whole professional life it will become an ugly mark on american soccer and the MLS. They will be viewed as taking advantage of a kid. I doubt anyone in the responsible soccer community wants to take this risk in the next couple of years. Give Adu time.

Kevin

[sregis]

Originally posted by Kevin Etzel
It is in the best interest of american soccer and the MLS to do what is in the best interest of Freddy Adu. As said above he in only 14 years old. I can't see how making him a professional soon and risking damage to his emotional and social development is in his best interest. I know he has been reported to be quite mature for his age, but 14 is still very young. If he indeed is signed soon by the MLS and has trouble dealing with the whole professional life it will become an ugly mark on american soccer and the MLS. They will be viewed as taking advantage of a kid. I doubt anyone in the responsible soccer community wants to take this risk in the next couple of years. Give Adu time.

Kevin

in the end, freddy and his mother will make the decision when and where to turn pro, so that's the closest to "the best interest of freddy adu" as you're going to get.

[Kevin Etzel]

Originally posted by sregis
in the end, freddy and his mother will make the decision when and where to turn pro, so that's the closest to "the best interest of freddy adu" as you're going to get.

True enough. It is his mother's decision. I just hope she gets proper counsel from the MLS, agents, etc about the potential downside to professional play.

[sregis]

well, one thing's for sure- mls people and agents are NOT going emphasize the downsides. considering some of the offers laid at their doorstep from the world's soccer elite, the idea of going to mls next year probably seems like a relatively modest direction.

[pc4th]

Originally posted by Kevin Etzel
It is in the best interest of american soccer and the MLS to do what is in the best interest of Freddy Adu. As said above he in only 14 years old. I can't see how making him a professional soon and risking damage to his emotional and social development is in his best interest. I know he has been reported to be quite mature for his age, but 14 is still very young. If he indeed is signed soon by the MLS and has trouble dealing with the whole professional life it will become an ugly mark on american soccer and the MLS. They will be viewed as taking advantage of a kid. I doubt anyone in the responsible soccer community wants to take this risk in the next couple of years. Give Adu time.

Kevin

Assuming that Adu will sign with MLS, the earliest he will play is when he graduate high school which is May 2004. In June 2004, he will be 15. Thus, if Adu will start a game, he will be 15 by then (or very close to it). What is the youngest player to play in MLS? Gaven? Maybe? or Convey? when they are 16? I, and a long with many people, would not think that being 15 is not old enough to play in MLS. Who is the youngest to play in the EPL? I bet that guy was around 16 when he started. You also wrote that if MLS signs Adu, they will be taking advantage of him? I don't think so, he is pro-capable, either he plays professional, or train more. Maybe he is good enough now to play proffessional. And I think the soccer community WOULD WANT TO TAKE the risk of let him play. He will develop faster if he plays instead of go to more training.

[QPR Kevin H]

Originally posted by pc4th
Who is the youngest to play in the EPL? I bet that guy was around 16 when he started.
James Milner was sixteen and 309 days on his debut for Leeds

Wayne Rooney was 16 years and 10 months when he made his debut for Everton

I think Owen was younger than both.

No one under 16 to my knowledge. You must be 16 to sign a pro contract in England. However, I dont think that you have to be 16 to appear in a first team match. In fact Rooney played much of last year on his youth contract (even though he was 16).

[jri]

Sounds to me like MLS got a steal.....Congrats to MLS (good job) and to Freddy (right move) and soccer fans in US are a lucky, lucky bunch....

Can't wait to see how the attendence predictions here (freddy's impact) play out...I'll stick with a 5k average bump in all games Freddy at home...although I guess he may not play until 1/2 way thru season (hope not, he's ready in April 2004- skill-wise, maturity wise IMO)....I think 3-4k bump at all road games....

[skipshady]

Originally posted by jri
Sounds to me like MLS got a steal.....Congrats to MLS (good job) and to Freddy (right move) and soccer fans in US are a lucky, lucky bunch....Well, it's not like Freddy really had any other realistic options. Maybe he could have challenged the FIFA rules but the time and trouble of working the loopholes wouldn't have helped his career at all.

And right now, I think he is more valuable for Nike playing in the US rather than abroad.