Adu to return to Portugal's Benfica

Nineteen-year-old U.S. international Freddy Adu is set to return to Portuguese club Benfica at the end of the European season, according to a report in Portuguese sports daily Record.

Adu has been on loan at AC Monaco of France's Ligue 1, but has made only nine appearances for the club since joining last July.

According to his agent, Bruno Satin, Adu will return to Benfica so that he can fulfill the potential of his youth and that if Monaco chooses to buy him, there is purchase option of $6.8 million on the table.

A native of Ghana, Adu joined Benfica from Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer back in 2007 when he decided a move abroad would be the best step to further his career. In his first season with Benfica, Adu only managed 11 appearances, but management was thought to be happy with his training and progress.

Prior to his stint with RSL, Adu played with D.C. United for three seasons, amassing 87 appearances and scoring 11 goals. He has also been actively involved with the U.S. national team, including 12 times for the senior squad and a starring role at last year's Olympic team in Beijing.