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Philadelphia Union manager John Hackworth discusses potential Freddy Adu's potential move to Brazilian club Bahia

Here are some highlights from Hackworth's weekly press conference.

Philadelphia Union manager John Hackworth discusses potential Freddy Adu's potential move to Brazilian club Bahia

Filed Under: Major League Soccer | Philadelphia Union

POSTED: Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 6:48 PM

Jonathan Tannenwald

Over the last few months, Philadelphia Union manager John Hackworth has declined to comment about the status of Freddy Adu.

But in recent days, there have been reports across the media that Adu is moving to Brazilian club Bahia. Hackworth opened up about the matter in his press conference Wednesday, offering quite a few details about the status of the Union's highest-paid player.

Here are some highlights of Hackworth's remarks.

View the story "John Hackworth press conference March 20, 2013" on StorifyJohn Hackworth press conference March 20, 2013Storified by Jonathan Tannenwald· Wed, Mar 20 2013 15:48:07John Hackworth is about to talk about Freddy Adu...Jonathan Tannenwald"We do have a potential deal on the table for Freddy. That deal is not done right now - there are still some hurdles."Jonathan Tannenwald"It could potentially bring us a very high profile player from Brazil - I'll confirm that player is Kléberson."Jonathan Tannenwald"I want to be sensitive to the guys that are trying to finish this, that we allow the time to do that.Jonathan Tannenwald"Freddy is scheduled to go down and visit Brazil - that's one of the last contingencies in this."Jonathan Tannenwald"This one, first and foremost was attractive to Freddy."Jonathan Tannenwald"The first time that name [Kléberson] came across my e-mail, I was like 'Wow.' "Jonathan TannenwaldThat might need confirming RT @PhilUnionKevinK: Hack: "Kleberson was presented to us as a player before we had any discussions about Freddy"Jonathan Tannenwald"It was Kléberson first that we had initial interest... it came back around that we had this opportunity now to make this work"Jonathan Tannenwald"So that we could eventually send Freddy down to Bahia and [have] Kléberson [come] to us."Jonathan Tannenwald"I've always felt that one of our key goals and objectives is to try to bring in a very established midfielder..."Jonathan Tannenwald"... that we felt could add to the players we already had. That didn't happen in this offseason."Jonathan TannenwaldJohn Hackworth acknowledges that the Union knew during the offseason that Freddy Adu would not be part of the team in 2013.Jonathan TannenwaldThank you, coach, for confirming what the team tried quite strongly to knock down when I first reported it.Jonathan Tannenwald"This is not driven because we feel like our midfield is not good enough right now." - HackworthJonathan Tannenwald"When you can bring in a player like Kléberson who meets the quality and experience factor, that's very interesting for us." - HackworthJonathan TannenwaldJohn Hackworth admits publicly that Freddy Adu has two guaranteed years remaining on his contract.Jonathan Tannenwald"We're much more confident... but I don't want to say anything that would lead you to believe that it's done."Jonathan Tannenwald"We hope that probably within the next couple of days we'll have a definitive answer."Jonathan TannenwaldHackworth on Soumaré: "Coming into preseason, it was my thought that he would be a starting center back for us."Jonathan Tannenwald"There are certain guys we thought would be No. 1 on our depth chart going in. Baky was one of those players."Jonathan TannenwaldAfter the game against SKC Soumaré went to Sakiewicz and then Hack to say he wanted a trade b/c he wasn't going to be a starter.Jonathan Tannenwald"I absolutely respect him saying those things and where he's coming from." - Hackworth on Soumaré.Jonathan Tannenwald"I can't tell you yet how that's going to go and I would be hopeful that we can find a resolution that's good for us and him"Jonathan Tannenwald"The reason that Baky's situation changed from when he arrived here to now is that Amobi Okugo has been a reveleation."Jonathan Tannenwald"When you have players that are playing that well, ypou have some tough decisions."Jonathan Tannenwald"Baky's a good pro - we have been very honest and up front with each other."Jonathan Tannenwald"It changed a little bit when I read an article last night." Raise a glass to @phillysoccerpg.Jonathan Tannenwald"We have options that we're very comfortable with currently" at center back.Jonathan Tannenwald"If he did leave today I would feel absolutely comfortable... that we could deal with it properly" - Hack cites Albright, S. WilliamsJonathan Tannenwald"Baky is still an important part of our team right now and will remain until something happens."Jonathan Tannenwald"Gabe Farfan moving into the midfield made it more competitive... I don't think our midfield has played as well as we're capalbe of playing"Jonathan TannenwaldJohn Hackworth says the Union will not get any salary cap relief from sending Freddy Adu to Bahia.Jonathan TannenwaldPerhaps because Kléberson will take up some of said cap space.Jonathan TannenwaldPoint taken. RT @sprtswtr: Hackworth on Pumas UNAM: "Our focus is on New York."Jonathan Tannenwald"We'll treat this as the way we've treated our other internationals... but our focus is on providing opportunities." Hackworth on PUMASJonathan Tannenwald"I'm happy with our midfield - I know we can play better, and I know that's a major distinction."Jonathan Tannenwald"Brian Carroll is our captain.. sure, I think Brian Carroll can play better."Jonathan Tannenwald"He's a guy that holds himself accountable in such a way that makes him one of our leaders.... we know there are better games in him."Jonathan Tannenwald

Previous Story: 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup schedule announced

Next Story: Games to Watch: U.S. national team World Cup qualifying commands the spotlight

Comments (9)

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 8:16 AM, 03/21/2013

Great lose Adu & now Somare (even though he never played) what a waste of talent Hackwork and Novack has wasted. This coaching staff does not know how to treat or coach talented players only inexperianced youth.

— phillysportsfamily

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:58 AM, 03/21/2013

I couldn't be happier that Adu is on his way out of town for good. He's talented, but he is far too wrapped up in his own head to be consistent. When you list all the clubs that have decided Adu isn't worth the money or effort, it's really tough to blame Hackworth or Nowak for Adu's lack of production. As for Soumare, he got caught. We paid a 1st round pick to get him, but tried Okugo in the CB role 2 weeks earlier. Soumare got hurt, and Okugo proved himself to be a quality CB. Baky doesn't start the first game and wants a trade? Good riddance. Any chance we can get the first round pick we used back for him?

— ChefJim27

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 11:50 AM, 03/21/2013

The potential redundancy of the headline for this post is potentially redundant.

— bimbobear

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:29 PM, 03/21/2013

Could this not have been put in a readable format J.T.? If I wanted to read 20 tweets I would have went to Twitter.

— Earl J

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 3:12 PM, 03/21/2013

I was dubious when they brought Soumare in and his attitude only confirms what I thoughts. Did he go bowling with Andrew Bynum?
Maybe Soumare can comfort Bynum after his surgery. The two of them can become friends and decide that they want to go to a city that has both MLS and NBA franchises (How about Portland?). Then they can rent an apartment, condo or house together and plan how to spend the money they will receive but won't earn.

— lmscdad

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:53 PM, 03/21/2013

The Union should trade Freddy Adu for Lionel Messi

— HAROLD Eskin

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:15 PM, 03/21/2013

Soccer slow.Watch hockey.

— albrock

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 9:10 PM, 03/25/2013

How bout dem Flyers at least soccer team will make playoffs

— phillysportsfamily

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 11:54 PM, 03/21/2013

Abuse report..you know the drill, Soccer Bklows.

— PHJR2010

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About this blog

The Goalkeeper is your home for the latest news about the Philadelphia Union, Major League Soccer, U.S. national teams and the rest of the world's most popular sport. It's also a place for fans to gather and celebrate the culture of soccer and its unique place on the sports landscape.

Reach Jonathan at jtannenwald@phillynews.com or 215-854-2330.

Jonathan Tannenwald

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