Oui Oui! Freddy and Michael to Monaco?

As Laurie brought to you earlier today…

Could Michael and Freddy really be heading off to the French city that plays home to the rich and famous, the Monte Carlo Casino, and the Formula One Grand Prix?

Sure sounds like it. But not so fast.

Let’s start with Freddy. According to previous reports I have seen, Monaco are very very very interested in Adu’s services, the issue has been the price Benfica has slapped on him; once thought to be too expensive for Monaco’s taste. But now it sounds as if they are coming back for more, ready to make it rain all over the Estadio Da Luz. I don’t buy it. Regardless of what the haters may say, I think Benfica knows they have something on their hands with Freddy, though they are not sure exactly what. Benfica continues to be active in the transfer market, looking at more experienced players than the 19 year old Adu. The tipping point for this situation looks to be the Olympics, where Freddy could garner more interest from afar, garner enough interest from his own club, Benfica, to make them want to play him, or not show well. The last is the least likely, as Freddy usually takes big doo doos on players in his age group on the international stage. Verdict: Look for him to be at Benfica next year (or at least owned by them), unless we hear something more concrete, or something terribly interesting happens at the Olympics. A loan could be prime here.

Monsieur Bradley on the other hand, could be well on his way. After so much stalling from all corners of Europe on the most anticipated American transfer of the summer, this could come right down to a money game. If Monaco is in fact offering 13 mill (US Green) to Heerenven, that could be Bradley’s ticket. Whether it is a good move is up for debate. The day in/day out of the Premiership, La Liga, and Seria A is unmatched, but Monaco as a club itself could be a nice change of scenery for the Baby Bradley. They seem to have a decent amount of ambition for Europe and you never know what’s going to go down on the French Ligue 1 table. Verdict: This could be the one for Michael Bradley. Where there is smoke, there is fire somewhere. Look for it to be hopefully finalized soon for Bradley’s sake as he wants to get this club situation sorted out ASAP.

For the both of them, Monaco in general would be a nice “middle” move. It could be another nice stepping stone for Bradley to get to a higher caliber team in a top tier league, although most of us hoped he could do that strait from Heerenven. That no longer seems to be the case. For Adu, you would hope he would stay at his original home longer, but if the situation isn’t right and you are not in the new coach’s plans, you have to do what you have to do. Playing time is the key to his development at this point and he needs to go where he can get it.

What are your thoughts on the possible double American coop for Prince Albert’s boy?