Toronto FC: Don’t worry about new Jozy Altidore transfer rumors
By Nick McAdam
As the transfer window draws to a close the rumour mill only starts to warm up that much more, with particular heat surrounding Toronto FC’s Jozy Altidore.
A recent article from ESPN FC claims that Jozy Altidore is gathering interest from European sides in leagues such as the Serie A and Ligue 1. Here’s what the source had to say about the Toronto FC striker:
"Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore could be headed back to Europe, a source with knowledge of the situation has told ESPN FC.Altidore, 28, has drawn the interest of a club in Serie A as well as in Ligue 1, and while the Serie A transfer window closes on Aug. 18, the French window doesn’t close until the end of this month, providing some time to get a deal done.Altidore’s agent, Lyle Yorks, didn’t respond to a request for comment."
Right away, you can see, important details are missing from the article. There was no comment from Altidore’s agent, no specifics on the interested clubs or a source from outside of ESPN FC.
On top of that, the 28-year-old is just returning from a spell of injury which lasted over a span of two months. Altidore is getting back to his strong and physical play on the attacking end. His contributions have put TFC right back into form after helping them claim another Canadian Championship on Wednesday night.
WhoScored notes that Altidore is quickly starting to find the right foot. He’s the fastest climbing player in terms of match rating on the squad right now, and his nine goals and a pair Man of the Match ratings have certainly helped.
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In addition, his age and value TFC likely place on him, won’t attract much from two of the biggest leagues in European football. At the moment, Transfermarkt values Altidore around £5 million, which would likely be doubled if Toronto even considered selling.
That’s too much for a club buying a player at his age, and it’s way too much of a risk for TFC to even think of selling. Supporters witnessed the lack of motivation up front when Altidore was out, especially in players such as Sebastian Giovinco. Altidore is the key to the attack; both he and TFC know that.
It’d be a shocking decision for Altidore to follow through with a transfer. Thoughts of moving should have been given long ago from the striker, when he was still out.
In other words, TFC probably wouldn’t be putting much of a reliance on Altidore at the moment if they knew that he wanted out.
This isn’t ruling out a move in the future for Altidore, but right now, when TFC seems to be climbing right back into hope, it seems rather unrealistic. Keep an eye out for any emerging news on the Altidore front, but don’t be that worried about it.
Toronto FC take on a struggling San José Earthquake side on Saturday night. It’s a strong chance for the Reds to gain a massive three points, and even more of a chance for Altidore to put the rumours about his future to bed.
Next. TFC need to take advantage of Canadian Championship glory. dark
What do you make of the rumors involving Altidore? How likely is he to actually leave? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.