Is time running out for Jozy Altidore?

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Mario Kneisl/US PresswireJozy Altidore's club career is beginning to bear an uncanny -- and uncomfortable -- resemblance to Eddie Johnson's.

As the close of the European transfer window reached its frenetic conclusion Monday, it was clear that, at least in U.S. soccer circles, Michael Bradley's loan to Aston Villa made the biggest splash. Yet as impressive as that switch was, Jozy Altidore's six-month loan move from Villarreal to Turkish champion Bursaspor just might be more important to the U.S. national team's fortunes this summer.

The Bradley deal has been dissected at length, but it bears repeating. The Villa midfielder has improved his situation immensely, and his escape from Bundesliga cellar dweller Borussia Moenchengladbach marks just the latest chapter in a career whose path has consistently moved upward.

But while Bradley continues to burnish his reputation, Altidore is trying to revive his, at least at club level. The U.S. striker's career has largely stagnated ever since Villarreal paid MLS $10 million for his services in 2008. And Altidore's most recent loan to Bursaspor is his third in as many seasons as he searches for that often elusive goal of consistent playing time.

In fact, Altidore's career is beginning to bear an uncanny -- and uncomfortable -- resemblance to another U.S. international who also secured a loan move Monday, Eddie Johnson. It's easy to forget that six years ago Johnson was tearing it up at the international level, albeit mostly against CONCACAF opposition. But his club form has deteriorated ever since securing a transfer to EPL side Fulham in 2008, making just 18 league appearances in his time at Craven Cottage. He made 30 league appearances for Cardiff City while on loan during the 2008-09 campaign, but even that number is deceptive, as 25 of those came as a substitute. Another loan spell a year later with Greek side Aris Thessaloniki saw Johnson enjoy an upturn in fortune, grabbing some increased playing time as well as some vital goals in the Greek Super League playoffs.

But it wasn't enough to alter Johnson's situation with Fulham, and with first-team minutes once again hard to come by, Johnson finds himself returning to the English Championship with Preston North End.

Altidore has had much the same experience. After he was unable to make an immediate impact with Villarreal, his loan to Spanish side Xerez during the 2008-09 campaign was essentially a waste of time as he failed to make a single appearance for a team that eventually claimed the Segunda Division championship. Altidore fared better the next season in terms of playing time during a year-long loan at Hull City. But his paltry haul of just two goals in 30 matches, along with Hull's relegation, resulted in Altidore's return to Villarreal.

It wasn't the happiest of returns, either. Altidore saw only occasional duty in the early months of the campaign, but when striker Nilmar underwent knee surgery in late December it was thought that his playing time would go up considerably. Instead, the U.S. forward has seen only limited duty, as manager Juan Carlos Garrido preferred Marco Ruben instead.

With Nilmar returning to health, and with Altidore's skills in danger of wasting away, the U.S. international was left to head to Turkey in search of first-team action. It wasn't a moment too soon. The Gold Cup is set to take place in a mere four months, so it's vital to the national team's progress that he log some serious minutes and regain his form.

The buzz surrounding the play of Teal Bunbury and Juan Agudelo is equal parts intriguing and alarming. On the one hand, they are talented, but they also highlight manager Bob Bradley's limited options up top. Agudelo, it must be remembered, has made a grand total of seven league and cup appearances as a professional, plus another two at international level. Bunbury has more experience, but still has just a solitary professional season under his belt. Even against CONCACAF opponents, more savvy will be needed.

For that reason, it will be largely up to Altidore to spearhead the U.S. attack this summer. But if he once again struggles to crack the starting lineup with his club, that will leave Bradley relying on a forward caked with rust. Granted, the U.S. has leaned heavily on its midfield to score goals in the past, and can do so again. But if Altidore finds his form, the U.S. will be that much more potent an attacking team as it aims to win the Gold Cup and thus earn a spot in the 2013 Confederations Cup.

The question, of course, is: Will he? Bursaspor is currently second in the Turkish Super Lig and acquired Scottish international striker Kenny Miller during the window as well. Incumbents Sercan Yildirim and Turgay Bahadir are still on board, so nothing is guaranteed. That said, you would think that the Bursaspor brain trust didn't bring Altidore in just to ride the bench.

Altidore has managed to extract himself from a subpar club situation. Now it's up to him to make the most of his new environs.

Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPN.com. He is also the author of "Soccer's Most Wanted II: The Top 10 Book of More Glorious Goals, Superb Saves and Fantastic Free-Kicks." He can be reached at eljefe1@yahoo.com.

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Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPNsoccernet.