Freddy Adu loaned to Belenenses among low-key transfers; Kerlon loaned to Ajax

Adu loaned again among low-key transfers

LONDON — Freddy Adu’s career faltered again with a low-key loan to Belenenses, and Ajax captured a ball-juggling Brazilian as the transfer window closed on Tuesday.

There were no signs of any big stars moving for huge, last-ditch transfers fees like a year ago. Instead, the market was dominated by loan deals or lesser-known players moving for relatively small fees.

Adu made headlines at 10, and was considered a rising star at 13. Although a regular in the U.S national team, the 20-year-old Adu has struggled to make an impact at club level, despite a move to Benfica, once one of European soccer’s strongest teams.

He scored five goals in 21 appearances and Benfica loaned him to AS Monaco last season. Now he’s off to Belenenses, Lisbon’s third team after Benfica and Sporting, which barely avoided relegation last season.

Striker Kerlon’s move from Inter Milan to Ajax was one of the eye-catching loans.

The 21-year-old Brazilian is known as “the seal” because of his ability to run past defenders while juggling the ball on his head. Ajax fans may have to wait to see his skills, however, while he proves his fitness after serious ankle and knee injuries.

“I am sure he can be a valuable addition,” said Ajax coach Martin Jol.

Benfica also loaned midfielder Hassan Yebda to Portsmouth which had already announced the signing of Tal Ben Haim from Manchester City and was talking to another defender, Nicky Shorey, about a move from Aston Villa.

The lack of major transfer activity contrasted from last year ago when Manchester City splashed out $58 million on Real Madrid star Robinho, Tottenham gave Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United for $55 million and acquired Roman Pavlyuchenko from Moscow Spartak for $25 million.