In return, RSL will send a major allocation, the rights to goalkeeper Jay Nolly and future considerations, including a share of any future replacement allocation money attributed to Adu, should he be transferred to another league.

Adu recently spent two weeks with Manchester United of the English Premiership on a trial hoping to display enough talent to earn a transfer offer when he is eligible this summer after he turns 18.

"This should serve as a signal to the people of Utah that we continue to be committed to building something of permanent and lasting value here in the valley," RSL owner David Checketts said. "I anticipate big things from Freddy, and I am thrilled that we were able to bring him to Salt Lake and reunite him with (RSL head) coach (John) Ellinger."

Adu previously played for Ellinger as a member of the U-17 National Team in 2002 as a 13-year-old. A year later, Adu helped the U-17's qualify for the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup with a goal and an assist in a pair of 3-0 wins over Jamaica and Guatemala. He opened the tournament with a hat-trick and helped lead the U.S. team into the quarterfinals, where they would fall to eventual champions Brazil.

Along with being a key member of the U.S. Youth National Teams, he became the youngest player to earn a cap as a member of the full Men's National Team on Jan. 22 against Canada.

"This was a difficult decision for all of us at D.C. United," United President and CEO Kevin Payne said. "Freddy has been a valued member of our team both on and off the field for three years. We appreciate that he wanted the opportunity to play a different role on the field than he would have been afforded here and he will apparently get that opportunity in Salt Lake. We wish him nothing but the best."

Adu joins Salt Lake after three full seasons in D.C., while Rimando departs after five. Nolly goes to D.C. after spending his first two seasons in Utah.

With D.C., Adu scored 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 career appearances. His 17 career assists ties him for eighth all-time in D.C. history. He was twice named an MLS All-Star (2004, 2006) and helped D.C. capture the 2004 MLS Cup during his rookie season and the Supporters' Shield after earning the best regular season record this past season.

Rimando made just two appearances for United in 2006, but departs as the club's all-time leader in wins (41), shutouts (29), saves (355), save percentage (72.2 %) and goals-against-average (1.22).

Nolly leaves for D.C. after being used as the starting goalkeeper for the RSL reserves and serving as the top backup for the RSL senior squad. In two seasons, Nolly logged six starts, posting a 1-4-1 record and a 2.62 GAA.

Adu is expected to arrive in Salt Lake Monday evening and will be making various media appearances throughout the day Tuesday, before departing for Florida to report to camp for the U-20 Men's National Team.

Adu serves as the captain for the U-20's, who are coached by Thomas Rongen. The team will be training Dec.12-23 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The 12- day camp marks the final time the U-20s will be together before Rongen names his final roster for the 2007 CONCACAF Final Round Qualifying Tournament, which will take place from Jan. 17-21 in Panama City, Panama.