Villarreal reverses course, won't loan Altidore out

Villarreal looks set to go back on its original plan to loan out American forward Jozy Altidore next season and keep him at the club while he adapts to a new country and league.

The 18-year-old striker has moved to El Madrigal from MLS side New York Red Bulls and has already talked about his desire to earn a first-team place at the club.

But the Yellow Submarine was considering loaning him out for his first year to give him valuable experience at the highest level, just like it did with defender Martín Cáceres.

That scheme worked well as the Uruguayan impressed at Recre last term and earned himself a move to Barcelona that saw Villarreal make a huge profit.

Altidore is to be treated differently, however, with Manuel Pellegrini believing it to be best if he looks after the U.S. international while he acclimatizes to his new surroundings.

One setback will be the fact that Altidore is due to play for his country in the Olympic Games throughout most of August and will miss preseason training with his new teammates.

That will certainly see his debut put off until later in the season while he regains his form and fitness at the start of the new campaign.

A number of Spanish teams had already registered their interest in taking the player on loan, but they have been told to look elsewhere for a new frontman.