Altidore era with TFC officially over
Toronto FC were deadbeats on the field last season, but they certainly haven’t been financial deadbeats in the off-season.
In this latest case of spend-thriftery, on Monday TFC exercised its one off-season buyout of a guaranteed contract on striker Jozy Altidore — a move long expected. Shortly after TFC made that announcement, the New England Revolution confirmed Altidore will be joining that club as a free agent and that the Revs would extend the former U.S. international’s contract an additional year, through the 2024 season and that TFC will remain responsible for a portion of Altidore’s salary through 2023.
TFC has long been one of the highest-spending clubs in Major League Soccer and that trend has continued this year, spending money to bring players in and to let players go. The biggest off-season move by the Reds was the signing of Italian international Lorenzo Insigne to a four-year deal worth close to US$45 million. Reportedly, Toronto is looking to sign at least one more Serie A player.
As for Altidore, the 32-year-old will not count against TFC’S salary budget and will no longer occupy a Designated Player spot on the team’s roster. That is key, as the Reds can still carry the maximum allowed three DPS on its roster — midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo, centre back Carlos Salcedo and forward Insigne, who will join TFC from Napoli of the Italian Serie A league midway through the 2022 MLS season (July 1).
Toronto management underwent an overhaul to the lineup after a dismal 2021 MLS season, which saw the Reds finish secondlast in the Eastern Conference with only 28 points in 34 games. TFC also went through two different coaches last year — Chris Armas and Javier Perez before hiring Bob Bradley as the head coach and sporting director.
“We want to thank Jozy for all of his contributions to Toronto FC over the last seven seasons. He scored some of the most important and memorable goals during the most successful period in our club history,” said TFC president Bill Manning. “We wish Jozy well in this next chapter of his career. His place in TFC history is secure and our fans will never forget the moments he produced.”
Altidore originally joined TFC on Jan. 16, 2015, from English club Sunderland. In seven seasons with TFC, Altidore made 173 appearances with 79 goals across all competitions (MLS, MLS Cup Playoffs, CONCACAF Champions League, Canadian Championship and Campeones Cup). He was a key part of TFC’S 2017 Domestic Treble winning side. He was named 2017 MLS Cup MVP after scoring the winning goal in TFC’S 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders.
During TFC’S run to its first Eastern Conference title in 2016, Altidore had five goals and four assists in six playoff games. Altidore won two additional Canadian Championships (2016, 2018) and two additional Eastern Conference Championships (2016, 2019) during his time with the club. Altidore was also named to two MLS Allstar games (2015, 2017). Altidore departs Toronto as the second-leading scorer in club history. The last two seasons, however, have been a struggle for the American, who has had trouble staying on the field because of series of injuries.
Altidore joins a Revs team that are defending MLS Supporters’ Shield champions, having recorded a record 73 points in 34 matches.
“I am excited to begin this next chapter with the Revolution and look forward to competing for trophies in New England,” Altidore added. “I am grateful for this opportunity to reunite with Bruce Arena and look forward to getting to work with my teammates immediately.”
Arena was Altidore’s coach when they were both with the New York Red Bulls (2006-08).
Altidore recorded 115 senior caps with the U.S. team, ninth-most in history. His 42 goals rank third in program history and first among active players. The owner of five FIFA World Cup appearances between 2010 and 2014, the striker has also tallied 18 times in 41 World Cup qualifying games while participating in four a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
CONCACAF Gold Cups.
AURO BACK HOME
Also on Monday, TFC announced it has loaned right back Auro to Brazilian club Santos FC for the remainder of 2022, with Santos having the option to purchase the contract.
Auro, 26, recently completed his fourth season with TFC, where he has made 109 appearances in all competitions (MLS regular season, MLS Cup, Canadian Championship, CONCACAF Champions League and Campeones Cup). Auro joined TFC on Feb. 13, 2018, and made his debut with TFC on Feb. 20 against the Colorado Rapids in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions League. He made his MLS debut against the Columbus Crew when he started on March 3, 2018.