Jozy Altidore is set to join Spanish second division club Deportivo Xerez on loan, while a proposed transfer has been scrapped by both Altidore and Villarreal manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Villarreal general manager Jose Manuel Llaneza revealed to Spanish daily AS on Friday that Altidore's potential transfer to Xerez won't be happening because neither Altidore or Pellegrini wanted it to happen.
"In the beginning it appeared very advanced but utlimately it looks as though neither the head coach or the player were interested in making this change," Llaneza said, referring to a transfer. "Right now I was talking to Xerez, but (Altidore) doesn't want it, nor does the head coach, and like that it is too difficult.
"The club is interested in him playing and proving himself," Llaneza said of Altidore's loan deal. "This wasn't an important move economically, but more a sporting move."
Apologies for the mix-up in translation earlier this morning but Altidore does appear headed for a loan move. The above quotes from Llaneza were regarding a potential transfer of Altidore to Xerez.
Xerez currently sits in first place in the Spanish second division.
What do you think of this development? Are you glad to see him making a move for more playing time? Disappointed he won't take part in the rest of Villarreal's season? Glad to hear that Villarreal wasn't interested in selling him?
Share your thoughts below.
Hi everybody. I´m from Jerez, and a Xerez supporter. I think that it´s a great player that can improve his game at this team. My team (Xerez) is playing so good this year. You can see the links of Xerez matches at http://www.rojadirecta.com. We are playing the best soccer in the Second Division. And, Jerez is not Seville or a great place, but it´s a beautyful town, i think he will be glad to be here, other stranger players were happy to be here, with the people from Jerez. So, my best wishes to everybody who support Altidore.