Will Altidore be a success at Sunderland?
ESPN FC’s Mark Donaldson looks at whether United States striker Jozy Altidore can make an impact in the English Premier League.
Will Altidore be a success at Sunderland?
Sunderland have confirmed that Jozy Altidore has completed his move from AZ Alkmaar for an undisclosed fee – believed to be in the region of £8.5 million, which would be a record for a US player.
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Altidore, 23, is Sunderland’s sixth summer signing and has been brought in to boost Paolo Di Canio’s attacking options, with the club heavily reliant on the goals of Steven Fletcher last season.
The USA international completed a medical on Monday and put pen to paper on a four-year deal on Tuesday, sealing his switch from Eredivise side and reigning Dutch Cup holders AZ.
“I’m thrilled to be here,” Altidore told Sunderland’s official website. “It’s a fantastic club, I’m really excited about this season and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
It’s official… @JozyAltidore is Paolo Di Canio’s sixth summer signing and here he is in the red and white stripes! http://t.co/iyXp2KdOf6
— Sunderland AFC (@SAFCofficial) July 9, 2013
Altidore has previously played in the Premier League with Hull City, for whom he found the net just once while on loan from Villarreal in the 2009-10 campaign.
Since then, however, Altidore has gone from strength to strength and scored 23 Eredivise goals last season. He has bagged 17 goals in 60 appearances for the United States, the most recent of which saw him end a lengthy drought against Germany in June.
The forward joins goalkeeper Vito Mannone, defenders Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite, midfielder Cabral and winger David Moberg Karlsson as part of Di Canio’s new-look squad at the Stadium of Light.
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