One of the most promising young soccer talents from the U.S. is set to head to Spain.
As reported by The Athletic, Alex Freeman, a right back for the U.S. men’s national team, is transitioning from MLS’s Orlando City to Villarreal. The anticipated transfer might feature a minimum fee of $7 million, along with a sell-on clause for Orlando.
The 21-year-old player is making the move to La Liga after impressing audiences with his skill in MLS. His adaptability on the defense led to an All-Star selection in 2025 and recognition as the league’s Young Player of the Year, with six goals, tying him for the highest among MLS defenders.
Son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, Alex has represented the U.S. team 11 times and contributed to their journey to the Gold Cup final in 2025.
Freeman has emerged as a reliable choice for national coach Mauricio Pochettino, with soccer analyst Doug McIntyre anticipating his inclusion in the U.S. squad for the 2026 World Cup, potentially securing a starting position in defense.
read more: Predictions for America’s 26-man World Cup roster
In a conversation last November, McIntyre spoke with Freeman, who had a standout performance for the U.S. with two goals in a 5-1 victory against Uruguay in Tampa. During the discussion, he shared his aspirations of playing in Europe and his focus on World Cup readiness.
“We need to be in top shape for the World Cup,” Freeman expressed before the match on Nov. 18. “I’ve settled well in Orlando, where I understand the culture and what I need to do. My future depends on what I feel is right for me, but the World Cup is approaching, and I want to be prepared for this pivotal moment in my life.”
In that Tampa game, Freeman had an impressive moment when he outpaced Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo, a world-class defender, to score his second goal of the evening.
read more: Alex Freeman discusses World Cup aspirations and his father’s career
Following the match, McIntyre interviewed Antonio Freeman, who noted that Alex developed later than most, experiencing his growth spurt at around 15 or 16. Currently, Alex stands an inch taller than his father, who played for the Green Bay Packers and won a Super Bowl in 1996-1997.
“He’s always said he wanted to take on defenders with his dribbling…As a right back, those opportunities are limited,” Antonio Freeman told McIntyre about his son’s abilities during that match. “Seeing him navigate through defenses with such ease, especially against an elite defender like Araujo, was truly remarkable.”
“I was genuinely impressed, and to think he did it against one of the best in the business? It’s just the cherry on top.”
Now, Alex Freeman is set to bring his talents to Villarreal, a club currently vying for a spot in next season’s Champions League and sitting fourth in the standings behind major teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid.
In the fast-evolving world of soccer, Alex Freeman’s move to Villarreal is a significant step not only for his career but also for the growing recognition of American players overseas. This transfer could inspire younger athletes in the U.S. and elevate the overall standard of American soccer on the global stage.
