Skip to content

Toronto FC GM prefers committed Altidore to despondent Defoe

Reuters

Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko has no regrets on orchestrating a deal with Sunderland to swap Jermain Defoe for Jozy Altidore back in January of 2015.

Nor does he have any reason to, after the U.S. striker scored once again in a 2-2 draw against TFC's bitter rivals, the Montreal Impact. It was his 10th goal in his last 14 matches in a season somewhat stalled by injuries and absences. Since joining the team, Altidore has scored 23 goals in 47 league fixtures.

Defoe has been equally prolific back in the Premier League, amassing 23 goals over 58 matches with the Black Cats and helping stave off relegation upon his arrival.

The English striker wasn't too hard-pressed to find goals in MLS, either, but Bezbatchenko knows which striker he'd rather have at Toronto FC.

"We'd rather have a committed Jozy than a despondent Jermain," Bezbatchenko told Kurtis Larson of the Toronto Sun.

"Altidore is in his prime. We were able to get a player in his prime as opposed to a player well out of his."

Related - Watch: Altidore bumbles way to equalizer in 401 Derby

Defoe departed Toronto FC in controversial fashion after head coach Ryan Nelsen was let go and Greg Vanney was moved into the position. He reportedly requested a move away from the club, disillusioned by life in the city and hungry to return to the Premier League.

Altidore's time with Sunderland proved a less-than-fruitful affair. The U.S. striker failed to establish himself with the Black Cats, scoring just three times in the Premier League.

In the end, it seems both teams benefited from the trade, though Larson reports Toronto FC still receives a financial reward as a result of Defoe continuing to perform well with Sunderland.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox