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The prospect of more American soccer players making an impact in the top European leagues is never a bad thing, especially less than a year before a World Cup. The latest Yank that could be on the move is 19-year-old striker Jozy Altidore who is drawing the attention of a couple clubs in the Premier League including Hull City, which has reportedly lined up a multi-million dollar offer to Villareal for his services. This report, taken for whatever its worth since it's coming from the less-than-trustworthy Daily Mail, seems to make the earlier rumor this summer than Altidore was on track for a move to Greece with Olympiakos look dead.
Hull City, although not a marquee squad in the Premier League, wouldn't be that terrible a landing spot for Altidore. Ideally Altidore sticking around at Villareal and fighting for a spot would be the best solution for the coming season, but it appears that ship has sailed since the coach that brought him in -- Maneul Pellegrino -- is no longer in charge at El Madrigal.
The possible move to Hull City -- either a loan or straight buy -- would give Altidore ample opportunity to carve out a role, with the other striking choices for the Tigers not exactly setting the imagination alight unless you're a huge Caleb Folan or Craig Fagan fan. Plus, Hull seems to have been rebuffed by all its other summer forward targets, including Michael Owen, so Altidore wouldn't be joining the club as a surplus part, he'd be expected to contribute right away.
If this Hull City move never materializes, there's still Premier League interest from Everton and Fulham. Both of those clubs established fairly stable starting lineups last season, so Altidore would have to fight harder for a place in the team, though Everton always looks like it could use an extra forward. Going to Fulham could link him up with fellow American forward Eddie Johnson, who may or may not be loaned out again this year.
Whatever happens, its good to see that English clubs have their eyes on Altidore in light of his nice play at the Confederations Cup in June. He combination of size, strength and speed would appear to make him tailor made for the up-and-down style of the Premier League.
And in light of all that's happened for the U.S. national team this summer, the forward ranks remain fairly shallow. Altidore, it seems like, has been primed for a true breakout by an American field player for what seems like the last year or two. At the very least, a year of first-team action in the English top flight ought to put the New Jersey native in a good place for an important role in Bob Bradley's squad for South Africa in June 2010.
