Jozy Altidore Transfer Rumors
During the United States recent training camp, star forward Jozy Altidore revealed his desire to move away from his Wearside Club, Sunderland. In 2012-13, Altidore scored 23 goals in his 33 Eredivisie appearances for Dutch side AZ. That summer, Altidore transferred to Sunderland for a reported $13 million. In his first season with the club, Altidore scored only two goals in his 37 appearances.
After suffering a grade two hamstring tear during the United States opening World Cup match, Altidore has struggled to regain full fitness. With the current form of the clubs forwards, it is unlikely barring an injury or turn in form, Altidore will not see much playing time with the club in the near future. With Jurgen Klinsmann stating on numerous occasions that a player will need to play regularly at the club level to earn a spot on his team. With this being said, lets take a look at the possible landing spots for Jozy Altidore come the morning of February 1st, 2015.
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LOSC Lille – French Ligue 1
It was well documented during the summer that Ligue 1 side Lille made a major push to sign the American Star. Things may have changed from now and then, but Lille is still the number one destination for Altidore. With only seven goals in nine matches, Lille is in dire need of an attacking presence. Altidore with both his size and pace will provide a major attacking target for any side that has him. Lille currently sit fourth in Ligue 1, bringing an added amount of pressure for the 24 year old. A pressure that Jurgen Klinsmann will want to see him thrive under.
Also with the sides current standing, it will bring Altidore a chance to play on the continental scene in either the UEFA Europa League or possibly even in the UEFA Champions League. Both will do well in improving Altidore’s skill and scoring ability. Seeing both playing time and competition for the starting spot is what Altidore needs and a move to Lille should help him.
PSV Eindhoven – Dutch Eredivisie
The league that revived Jozy Altidore’s career after terrible spells with Villarreal and English Premier League side Hull City. PSV is easily one of the most dominant clubs in Eredivisie history. PSV had expressed interest in Altidore via a season long loan last summer. It is conceivable that both a season loan or full transfer from Sunderland to PSV is plausible at this stage. Given PSV’s tracking of the player since last January, a move to the club would not shock many in the world.
One thought for Altidore though. Moving back to the league where he has so much success is a step backward for the forward. Heading back to a league that he dominated for two seasons can be seen as running away. For a player of his caliber to continue to improve, he does need playing time, but even more importantly he needs to be challenged on the field every week for his position. Moving to a league that he dominated with relative ease and where he will not be challenged is a step backward for Jozy Altidore.
Major League Soccer
With New York City FC opening play next season, the Red Bulls need to make a major splash.
Because of Major League Soccer’s allocation system, it is impossible to predict at this stage where he would end up. It is not impossible however to see the New York Red Bulls make a move for their former star who they sold almost 6 1/2 years ago. With the new Major League Soccer expansion franchise New York City FC set to begin play next season with designated player signings Frank Lampard and David Villa, fans of the Red Bulls have been waiting for some moves from the club. In all likelihood, Thierry Henry will not return next season. Tim Cahill is possibly out the door as well.
The Red Bulls need to make a major splash and bringing home Jozy Altidore will do just that. Even though Altidore has said that he doesn’t want a return to Major League Soccer yet, the 24 year old might not pass up an opportunity to return to his hometown club. With many Americans returning to MLS now, it is not unlikely for this to occur. The class of play is still below the European game, but with more American stars playing in MLS, returning to the US could do Altidore and the United States some good for both the league and national team.
Sunderland – English Premier League
The bonus pick that nobody is talking about. Should an injury or turn in form for one of Sunderland’s two preferred forwards occur, Altidore could find his way back into Gus Poyet’s starting XI. Staying in the Premier League is the goal for both Sunderland and Jozy Altidore. Should Altidore be given a shot with the starting XI and put a run of good form in, their is no reason why Altidore will not remain with the side for some time.
Altidore’s goal is the same as it always has been. To play consistently at the highest level of soccer. Altidore does know though that should his playing time dwindle, in order to keep improving his abilities, he may need to move elsewhere. Whether that is for better or worse is yet to be seen.