Reported almost as widely as Barack Obama’s victory, Jozy Altidore, 18, scored his first goal for Villarreal at the weekend in La Liga. But he told the AP that the club is “probably considering” a loan move for him during the January transfer window.
“I don’t know,” he said, “I definitely think it’s a possibility. I think they’re probably considering it. But I am also happy to be here helping out. I know whatever they choose it’s in the best interest for me.” Injuries at various times this season to NJ-raised striker Giuseppe Rossi, as well fellow forwards Nihat Kahveci and Guillermo Franco, have meant that original plans to farm Altidore out had to be shelved.
Altidore said he’d hope for a loan move to the English Premier League or a league similar to Spain’s. His coach Manuel Pellegrini said a decision still hadn’t been reached: “It all depends on how we’re looking as the new year approaches, whether we have more injuries to worry about or not. But so far he’s fit in nicely.”
Altidore said he doesn’t mind either way. “This year is definitely a learning experience, I’m not expected to step in immediately and score 20 goals,” he said. “My technique has gotten better, I read plays a little bit earlier. Technically, I’m a little bit sharper, especially when I’m playing here with all of these guys.”