US national team defender Alex Freeman is set to move from Orlando City to Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga, The Athletic and ESPN reported on Monday.
The transfer fee reportedly starts at more than $4m but could top $7m with add-ons included. Per ESPN, Orlando City would get 15% of the proceeds if Villarreal sells Freeman in the future.
Freeman could have moved on a free transfer later this year, but Orlando City ensured it would receive financial compensation for his departure by making the move during European soccer’s January transfer window.
Freeman, 21, is the son of former Green Bay Packers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Freeman.
The younger Freeman compiled six goals and three assists in 29 MLS games (26 starts) for Orlando City last year. He had no goals and one assist in three total league games, all off the bench, for the Lions over the prior two seasons. He is seen as one of the brightest young prospects in US men’s soccer; an athletic fullback comfortable pushing forward with the ball at his feet but a capable defender as well.
He broke until the US men’s national team last May and started every game for the squad at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Freeman netted his first two goals in international play during a friendly against Uruguay in Tampa on 18 November. By year’s end, he had earned 13 caps.
Villarreal sit in fourth place in the La Liga standings, trailing only heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. They are next-to-last in the Uefa Champions League table.
Orlando City finished ninth in MLS’ Eastern Conference last season before losing a wild-card playoff match.
