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Red Bulls: Jozy is NOT for sale

The same day reports emerged from Spain linking Real Madrid to Red Bulls forward Jozy Altidore, Red Bulls officials made it clear that the 18-year-old sensation is not for sale.

"He's not going anywhere," Red Bulls president Marc deGrandpre said on Friday night. "I've talked to Jozy and he knows he's a very important part of our future."

The Red Bulls are eager to keep Altidore around as long as possible and the temptation of a large transfer fee isn't likely to sway a parent company that isn't struggling for money.

What's my take? He will be around in 2008 at least and the Red Bulls are going to try their hardest to keep him through the 2009 season. Ultimately, the decision will come down to Altidore and his desire to make the move abroad. In August, Altidore told SBI that he is strongly considering a move to Europe.

"I definitely went back and forth about it," Altidore said about considering a move to Europe. "There was a time when I said to myself that I'm not going to go there until I'm 21, when I'm more mature and able to take care of myself and live a life like that. But then again I thought about the soccer aspect. If I wait until I'm 21 there might be a big drop off there so the younger the better.

"That's the way I see it now," Altidore said. "The quicker you can get there the better. Even if it starts off tough you can always adjust to it, especially if it's a team that needs you. It's all about timing."

Altidore should spend another season in MLS. As strong as his 2007 was, he can use another full season in MLS to help develop his game further. After 2008 is anybody's guess. I really can't imagine Altidore staying in 2009 if he continues to improve at the rate he's improved at over the past year. He has the talent to play for a high-level club like Real Madrid, but he also needs to develop his game further to be fully prepared for such a move.

As for those who think that MLS can force a transfer. Not so fast my friend. Red Bull spent nine figures to purchase the Red Bulls and that purchase has bought serious clout with the league. You can rest assured that Red Bull would put the whammy on attempt by the league to force a sale. That scenario is really a non-issue. It will come down to what Altidore and the Red Bulls want to do. Don't be surprised of Altidore signs a new, lucrative MLS contract in the near future.