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.
Altidore underwent foot surgery back in May to remove bone fragments, and all told missed three-and-a-half months of the current MLS campaign. But he returned to the TFC lineup last month, and on Wednesday he helped Toronto secure its third straight Canadian Championship by recording a hat trick in the team’s 5-2 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, giving the Reds a 7-4 aggregate triumph.
Altidore has been a key component in Toronto’s rise since arriving just prior to the 2015 campaign. He has helped the Reds win five trophies while scoring 56 goals in 107 appearances across all competitions. He has also scored in all five finals he participated in over the last year for both club and country.
Prior to his time in Toronto, Altidore spent seven seasons with a variety of European clubs. That spell included some extended periods of struggle, especially during a two-year stint in England with Sunderland when he scored just three goals across 52 league and cup appearances. His time with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar was more positive, as he scored 50 goals in 93 league and cup appearances, and led the club to the KNVB Cup in 2013.
Altidore began his professional career with the New York Red Bulls in 2006, and has also spent time with Villarreal, Xerez, Hull City and Bursaspor.
At international level, Altidore has been a consistent presence with the U.S. national team since making his debut back in 2007. His 41 goals are third all-time behind Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, who each have 57. He won U.S. Soccer’s Male Athlete of the Year Award in both 2013 and 2016.
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