By FRANCO PANIZO
BOSTON — Currently struggling for playing time at Sunderland, Jozy Altidore could be on the move this winter if things do not improve quickly.
Altidore is currently with the U.S. Men’s National Team and is all but guaranteed to start in Friday’s friendly against Ecuador, but having a sure place in the lineup is not a luxury he has with the Black Cats. The 24-year-old striker has been limited to just a handful of appearances a few months into the Premiership season and none have been as starter. The situation has left him open to moving during the upcoming winter transfer window if things don’t change.
“I thought I’ve done everything I could this season to come in as fit as possible with the injury and try to make an impact when I’ve played,” said Altidore before the USMNT training session on Wednesday. “But like I said, this four years I want to be part of the national team. Jurgen makes his message very clear, nobody is different, so if it doesn’t turn around then in January I’ll be looking to start elsewhere and make sure that I’m in his plans.”
The veteran forward has played in just four league matches this season for a total of 53 minutes for Sunderland. He did start and go the distance in a pair of cup matches, and also found the back of the net in a 2-1 loss to Stoke City on Sept. 23.
Altidore signed with the Black Cats ahead of the 2013-14 season. In his initial campaign, he started 19 of the 31 league matches he played in but was criticized at length for scoring just one goal in that stretch.
Altidore and the U.S. are currently preparing for the first of two October friendlies. They take on Ecuador at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut, on Friday before hosting Honduras in Boca Raton, Florida, next Tuesday.
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What do you make of Altidore’s comments? Do you see him breaking through and sticking with Sunderland? Should an MLS club make a move for him if his playing situation doesn’t improve?
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