Former D.C. United prodigy and lightning rod Freddy Adu is off to Benfica of the Portuguese League, reports Steven Goff at the Soccer Insider. When Adu came to United at the tender age 14, his arrival inspired fanfare within Major League Soccer that has only since been surpassed by some British geezer.

After three up-and-down seasons with United, Adu was sent to Real Salt Lake for a major allocation (a powerful tool in MLS used in player acquisition — yeah, you try and understand) and future considerations. His transfer to Benfica signifies the arrival of said future, and the considerations are bearing fruit in the form of $100,000 to $150,000 worth of allocations and a third-round draft pick.

It’s unclear how much of Adu’s $2 million transfer fee RSL will see (likely in the form of tasty allocationberries), but the deal should benefit Adu as a player, the MLS, and the U.S. soccer program in general. Though in a second-tier European league, Benfica is still one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses, and Freddy will get a chance to prove himself in front of some of the world’s best. The MLS and gains publicity and respect around the world for developing Adu. And U.S. soccer should improve its performance as more of its younger prospects play in more competitive leagues.

Good luck, Freddy. Though your petulance annoyed us at times, we still consider you one of ours, and wish you nothing but the best.