The £9 million transfer of Jozy Altidore to Sunderland was destined to fail from the outset, as revealed by the player himself in an interview reflecting on his time with the Black Cats. Altidore, who began his career in the United States with NY Red Bulls before moving to Villareal in 2008, found success at AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie, scoring prolifically in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons. Sunderland saw potential in Altidore and secured his transfer in July 2013, but the move did not yield the expected results.
Altidore admitted in a 2020 interview that joining Sunderland didn’t feel right and that other major clubs had been considered. He recounted advice from Gertjan Verbeek and Earnest Stewart, who warned him that Sunderland’s style of play wouldn’t suit him, despite the substantial transfer fee. However, family and financial considerations led Altidore to accept the move. The decision proved disappointing, with Altidore struggling to replicate his Eredivisie form in the Premier League. He made 39 appearances in his first season, scoring only one goal, and his following season was even worse, with just 11 appearances and no goals before Sunderland decided to part ways with him.
