TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
Could Jozy Altidore be convinced to take up a second European adventure?
That’s the suggestion swirling on Friday in the wake of an ESPN FC report that Toronto FC’s talismanic targetman “has drawn the interest” of at least two major clubs across the Atlantic, one in Italy’s Serie A and the other in France’s Ligue 1.
Citing “a source with knowledge of the situation,” ESPN FC’s Jeff Carlisle writes that Altidore could return to Europe for a second stint as soon as this week, with the Italian transfer window closing this weekend and France’s open until month’s end. Carlisle notes that the striker’s agent, Lyle Yorks, did not respond to requests for comment.
Altidore plied his trade in several European leagues from 2008-2015 after Spanish heavyweights Villarreal paid MLS and the New York Red Bulls a reported transfer fee of around US$10 million for his services a decade ago, an amount that stood as the largest fee in MLS history until it was eclipsed by Bayern Munich's commitment for Alphonso Davies earlier this summer.
The US national team star experienced varying fortunes across the pond, struggling in Spain and England but racking up 39 goals over two successful seasons with AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie.
He returned to North America as a Designated Player signing for TFC ahead of the 2015 season and has helped the Reds reach back-to-back MLS Cups and win a variety of trophies, scoring 41 regular-season goals to date and another seven in postseason action.
