Jozy Altidore Is Going To Spain!

It was only a matter of time. And that time finally came today. 

USA football star Jozy Altidore is headed to La Liga team Villarreal.

The 18-year-old Altidore has been hailed as one of—if not the—top prospect in the United States. And it was thought to be just a matter of time before he was snatched up by a European club.

Earlier this year Altidore had been linked to Real Madrid and it was thought that his style would fit best in Spain.

Villarreal is reported to have paid just under $10 million, which is nearly twice the previous high paid for a player from the United States.

Now the question is what does this mean for US football?

On one hand, this is great news. It means the United States is making great strides in the football world. But it also means that once again we are exporting our greatest talents.

According to some we need to keep our greatest talent in the United States. I am of the opinion that MLS is improving but still mediocre and we need our best players playing in the best leagues in the world in order to improve as a football country.

What will Altidore's role with Villarreal be?

The Yellow Submarines, as they are known, made an impressive jump this season moving ahead of Barcelona and finishing in second in La Liga behind Real Madrid. They did so, in par, because of the great play of their forwards.

The team boasted a strong young pairing of Nihat and Rossi with veterans Tomasson and Franco backing them up with great play as well.

This could be a great opportunity for Altidore to learn from some great strikers and be part of a team that could challenge for La Liga title and will be involved in the Champions League next season.

Maybe he will not get much playing time right away but Villarreal did not pay $10 million to be kept on the bench the whole season.

What are your opinions about Altidore's big move and its effects on football in the United States in the future?