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According to reports from a Brazilian news outlet and Soccer By Ives, the Freddy Adu saga could be over for the Philadelphia Union in the next week, with former World Cup champion Kleberson heading to the City of Brotherly Love in a player swap.
Bahia Noticias, which in part covers the major club from the city of the same name, said today that a deal involving Adu heading to Brazil would include Kleberson moving to Philadelphia in return. The outlet said nothing of any monetary value changing hands as part of the deal, something of a surprise for the Union, who have become notorious for shipping out players in exchange for cash only returns.
Both the outlet and Soccer By Ives' Ives Galarcep have said that the deal will either be completed or will fail to do so within the next week. Galarcep confirmed on Twitter that the "accomplished international player" he hinted to be coming to the Union was Kleberson.
Kleberson joined Bahia in 2012 after the team he was on loan to, Atlético Paranaense, was relegated to in Brazil's second league. Bahia barely avoided relegation itself last year, falling six points outside of the relegation zone and staying up in Brazil's top league.
The former Manchester United bust is best known for his exploits in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. His displays there earned him a transfer to United, before he moved onto Turkey and then back to Brazil with Flemengo.
The 33-year-old midfielder last played for Brazil under then head coach Dunga in 2010 against Chile.
(H/T to @BrianStraus and @PhilSchoen)