On February 13, the same day as the controversial Harry Shipp transfer, a report emerged that the Chicago Fire are interested in signing Swedish side Malmö FF's Enoch Kofi Adu

Adu's experience

A Ghanaian international, Adu started his career in his home country where he played for Liberty Professionals F.C. In 2008, he took his talents to OGC Nice, in the French first division. After failing to make any appearances in a two-year spell, Adu moved to Denmark, where he signed with F.C. Nordsjælland in the Danish Superliga. He quickly established himself as a key player for the club, and cemented a spot in the starting 11. During his first season with the club (2010/2011) he helped lead them to their second consecutive Danish Cup victory. During the 2011-2012 campaign, Adu played an integral part in guiding the club to its first league title. With this title, the club qualified for the 2012-2013 Champions League Group Stage, where Adu played in all six group matches, although his side finished in last place. During the January transfer window, Adu made the move to Belgian side Club Brugge. He made over 79 appearances for the Danish side.

Upon arriving at Club Brugge, Adu made a decent amount of appearances during the second half of the 2012-2013 season, but after seeing much less playing time during the 2013-2014 campaign, he was loaned to Norwegian Tippeligaen side Stabæk Fotball. He made 18 appearences for Club Brugge and 16 appearances for Stabæk while tallying one goal. At the end of the 2013-2014 season, Adu moved to Malmö FF. Adu has made over 42 appearances and scored two goals for the club.

Apart from his club career, the 25-year-old has been capped at the youth international level. He played in  six matches at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where Ghana garnered a fourth place finish. 

Why does Chicago want Adu?

It's no secret that this season is one of rebuilding for the Chicago Fire. After the horrid fall from grace seen in the previous few seasons, the organization is desperate to return to winning ways. Already, we've seen numerous coaching changes, bold moves in the MLS SuperDraft, and some important and controversial transfers (Jeff Larentowicz, Harry Shipp). The greatest deal of attention has been directed at the Fire's defense, and rightly so, as it has been horrendous the past two seasons; but the midfield cannot be forgotten, especially with the departure of the two previously mentioned players, who provided solid talent for the side.

Adu has experience in a few of Europe's top leagues, and has participated in two Champions League campaigns. Although he is yet to be capped by the Ghanaian senior side, his time at the 2007 U-17 World Cup is valuable. A player like Adu would provide proven experience in the centre-mid position, and at 25 years of age, he is not even in his prime yet, leaving room for more growth. Nothing is for certain yet, but the allocation from Harry Shipp's transfer would be well invested in a player like Adu. 

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About the author
Guillaume Delabar
Sophomore studying English at DePaul University. Avid association football fan and goalkeeper back in my athletic prime.