Teenage "wunderkid" Freddy Adu has completed a transfer move from Washington DC United to Real Salt Lake.

The 17-year-old American prodigy, who is seen as the future star of American football, will play the start of the next MLS season with Real Salt Lake, with the probability of a big money move to Europe once he turns 18. According to existing rules, Adu cannot play outside US till he turns 18 on June 2 next year.

Adu, a target for big clubs in Europe such as Manchester United and Chelsea, had spent a two-week trial at Manchester United last month, though the manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, refused to comment upon a possible move for the 17-year old.

DC United president and chief executive Kevin Payne said that they were forced to sell Adu as he wished to play a more attacking role in the central midfield. "This was a difficult decision for all of us at DC United. 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", he said.

The deal sees Adu and reserve goalkeeper Nick Rimando move to Real Salt Lake while DC United will receive a percentage of the transfer fee should Adu make a big money move to Europe after June.

Real Salt Lake chief executive Dean Howes was delighted to have snapped up one of the most recognized names in American football. "This is an exciting day for our club. Freddy is one of the most recognized names in American soccer and adding him to our roster allows us to improve our operation on several levels. He instantly makes us a better team on the field and will raise our level of awareness off the field as well", he said on the club's website.

Adu, who at 14 became the youngest sports professional in modern U.S. team sports history, commands a huge annual wage of $550,000, which is five times the average wage in the league. He has 11 goals to his name in 87 appearances and was instrumental in DC United's run to lift the MLS Cup in 2004.