USMNT defender Alex Freeman poised to join Villarreal
LaLiga club Villarreal is nearing the completion of a deal to acquire United States and Orlando City defender Alex Freeman for a transfer fee estimated at around $4 million, with potential incentives that could raise the total to $6.5 million, according to a source familiar with the transaction who spoke to ESPN.
Orlando City SC will also receive 15% of any future transfer fee, the source noted.
If finalized, this agreement represents a significant achievement for Orlando, considering Freeman’s contract was due to expire at the end of 2026, allowing him the opportunity to sign a pre-contract with another team as soon as this summer and depart on a free transfer at the year’s conclusion.
Freeman had the option to re-sign with Orlando, having been presented with a maximum U22 contract that would have compensated him approximately $800,000 per year. However, he chose to join Villarreal immediately instead. The source indicated that the necessary paperwork is currently being finalized.
Villarreal currently holds the fourth position in LaLiga and is securely within the Champions League qualification spots as the season progresses past its midpoint.
At 21 years old, Freeman’s market value has surged over the past year, as he has made 30 league and playoff appearances for the Lions, scoring six goals and providing three assists. Additionally, he has represented the United States 13 times, netting two goals. Freeman made a notable impact on U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino during last summer’s Gold Cup and concluded his impressive 2025 campaign with two goals in a 5-1 friendly victory against Uruguay.
Freeman, the son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman, is taking a risk regarding his World Cup ambitions. Unlike his situation at Orlando, guaranteed playing time with the LaLiga team is not assured, and with players like PSV Eindhoven’s Sergiño Dest, Marseille’s Timothy Weah, and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Joe Scally all receiving consistent minutes with their respective clubs, Freeman may find himself at a disadvantage when it comes to securing a spot on the U.S. roster.
Nevertheless, Freeman has the potential to enhance his profile further if he can adapt quickly to life at Villarreal.
