New England Revolution exercise contract buyout on Jozy Altidore

The New England Revolution exercised a contract buyout on Jozy Altidore, leaving the forward as a free agent to sign elsewhere in Major League Soccer or abroad.

The US men’s national team figure departs the Revolution after just two seasons, arriving ahead of the 2022 campaign to record a mere two goals in 29 games. Despite a reunion with former coach Bruce Arena, Altidore failed to find his footing in Massachusetts.

But he still stands as one of Major League Soccer’s great talents, after establishing himself with Toronto in 2017.

Altidore initially joined the Canadian side in 2015 from English side Sunderland, adapting quickly to a new style before leading the Reds to record-breaking heights. The forward played a pivotal role in Toronto's historic treble win, inspiring the team to lift the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield and Canadian Championship.

Overall, he managed 76 goals in 169 matches across all competitions to become the team's second all-time leading scorer behind Sebastian Giovinco.

His recent departure from the Revolution leaves Arena to pursue roster additions during the league’s Secondary Transfer Window, which kicks off on July 5. Though the team’s managing well with the current squad, sitting in fourth on the Eastern Conference table with 30 points in 17 games, reinforcements would come in handy given the volume of matches in 2023.

Arena will also be looking to replace Colombian international Dylan Borrero, after he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in April. Henry Kessler, Nacho Gil, Tommy McNamara and Maciel are also out with injuries.

The New England Revolution return to the field on June 17 when hosting Orlando City at Gillette Stadium.