Toronto FC signs USMNT star Jozy Altidore, sends Defoe to Sunderland

Toronto FC signed United States men's national team member Jozy Altidore as a transfer with Sunderland of the English Premier League.

Toronto FC signed United States men's national team forward Jozy Altidore to a Designated Player deal after securing a transfer from Sunderland of the English Premier League, the club announced Friday.

Financial terms and length of contract were not disclosed. Toronto also sent English international forward Jermain Defoe to Sunderland, cutting his time in MLS short after one season.

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Altidore, 25, has spent the last two seasons with Sunderland, scoring three goals in 52 appearances.

“Our vision over the past 18 months has been to establish Toronto FC’s international presence, and while just with us for one year, Jermain Defoe played an important role in helping us achieve that goal,” Tim Leiweke, President and CEO of MLSE said.

Altidore began his career playing for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. He has also played at EPL side Hull City, Dutch Club AZ Alkmaar, Turkish side Bursaspor and Spanish clubs Villarreal and Xerez. He scored 51 goals in all competitions for AZ Alkmaar in 2011-2013 before joining Sunderland in July 2013.

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Altidore, who has 25 goals in 76 appearances with the USMNT, missed most of the team’s 2014 World Cup in Brazil after tearing his hamstring in a group stage match against Ghana. At Toronto FC, he'll be reunited with international teammate Michael Bradley, who signed with MLS in a blockbuster deal alongside Defoe last winter.

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