By JUSTIN FERGUSON
It is now official. The U.S. Men’s National Team will have another player in the English Premier League this season.
Dutch club AZ Alkmaar announced Tuesday that a deal has been finalized for Jozy Altidore’s move to Sunderland, which has also announced the completion of the transfer. The deal was first reported on Friday.
According to AZ, Altidore passed his physical with Sunderland, and signed a four-year contract on Tuesday. In accordance with club policy, AZ did not reveal the transfer fee.
It will be a return to the Premier League for Altidore, who spent the 2009-10 season on loan from Spanish side Villarreal at Hull City. Altidore made 28 appearances and scored one goal for the Tigers that season.
The 23-year-old striker is coming off two successful seasons with AZ, which included last year’s 31-goal campaign that broke the record for an American playing abroad. Altidore is also in great form for the USMNT, scoring in four straight June matches.
Altidore becomes the first USMNT player to play for Sunderland since Claudio Reyna played for the Black Cats from 2001 to 2003.
What do you think of this move? Excited to see Altidore playing in the Premier League again? Think he will do well at Sunderland?
Share your thoughts below.