AMSTERDAM – The agent for unsettled Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore has revealed that representatives from a large number of European clubs came out to watch his client perform in a US national team shirt in their recent friendly loss to Colombia in London.
The 25-year-old scored his 25th USMNT goal from the penalty spot to open the scoring in the 2-1 defeat on November 14. Longtime suitors Lille were on hand to continue their scouting and pursuit of Altidore, but they were not alone.
"Three Italian clubs came to see him in London, as well as two French teams and German clubs," Altidore's agent, Lyle Yorks, told MLSsoccer.com. "He has interest throughout Europe."
With Altidore struggling for goals – and now playing time – at Sunderland, there has also been no shortage of introductory calls from MLS clubs to the agent's office since the summer. However, a return to America does not look to be in the cards any time soon.
"There's been a lot of interest for Jozy in Major League Soccer, but there have not been any really serious conversations," said Yorks.
Altidore arrived at Sunderland in the summer of 2013 after a strong stint with Earnie Stewart's AZ Alkmaar, but has managed only three goals and eight assists in 47 appearances across all competitions on Wearside.
Despite recently imploring the forward to fight on at the Stadium of Light, Black Cats boss Gus Poyet has limited Altidore to a combined total of 87 sub minutes in their 12 Premier League matches thus far this season.
Greg Seltzer covers Americans based in Europe for MLSsoccer.com.
