Adu heading to Monaco on loan

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By Luís Mira, Special to SI.com, Goal.com

Freddy Adu has completed his switch to French club AS Monaco on a season-long move. The U.S. national-teamer had been on the radar of the Ligue 1 outfit for some time after learning that the 19-year-old was not part of coach Quique Sánchez Flores' first-team plans at Portuguese club Benfica for the next season.

Adu failed to hold down a regular spot at Estádio da Luz during his first season in Europe, but nonetheless scored five goals during his few appearances for the club.

He has now joined the ranks of Monaco with hopes of getting more games under his belt before a possible return to the Eagles.

According to a press statement released on Benfica's official Web site, Monaco has also secured a buying clause for Adu.

The former D.C. United man will be formally announced by the French team after his participation in the Olympic Games for the United States under-23 squad.