Jozy Altidore poised to join Villarreal
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 4, 2008 | 7:17 PM ET
CBC Sports
Teenage striker Jozy Altidore has 15 goals in 37 games with the Red Bulls. (Bill Kostroun/Associated Press)New York Red Bulls striker Jozy Altidore is closer to joining Villarreal, the runner-up to Real Madrid in the Spanish Premier League.
Major League Soccer confirmed Wednesday that it reached terms with the Spanish side on a transfer deal for the teenage pro.
The transfer reportedly is worth $10 million US, a record for an American player.
"This is a positive statement about the value placed on the young players we're developing," MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis said in the New York Times.
"By a substantial margin, this is the highest transfer fee paid for an MLS player and represents the recognition we have gotten in every quarter of the soccer world, and I want to stress that Villareal's evaluation of Jozy came not from his time with the national teams, but from his play in MLS."
Altidore, 18, must negotiate a contract with Villareal to complete the transaction, which cannot take effect until the European transfer window opens July 1.
In return, the Red Bulls will receive an allocation and a portion of the transfer fee.
"It wasn't an easy decision for our organization and for MLS as well," Red Bulls director Jeff Agoos said. "But I think it is in the player's best interest."
Altidore has three goals and one assist in eight games this season, his second with New York.
The Boca Raton, Fla., native has totalled 15 goals and five assists in 37 games for the Red Bulls, who selected him in the second round (17th overall) in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.
He scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Toronto FC last Aug. 12.
Altidore tallied four goals for the United States at last summer's FIFA Under-20 World Cup, and he is expected to represent the U.S. in the Beijing Olympics.
With files from the Associated Press
