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Jeff Carlisle
LaLiga club Villarreal is nearing an agreement to sign U.S. and Orlando City defender Alex Freeman for a transfer fee of approximately $4 million, which could rise to $6.5 million with performance-related incentives, as reported by a source familiar with the negotiations.
Orlando City SC will also receive 15% of any future transfer fees, according to the same source.
If finalized, this deal represents a significant win for Orlando, especially since Freeman’s contract was set to expire at the end of 2026, allowing him to potentially sign a pre-contract with another team this summer and leave as a free agent by year’s end.
Freeman had also been offered a max-U22 deal from Orlando, worth around $800,000 annually, but he chose to join Villarreal instead. The source indicated that paperwork for the transfer is currently being finalized.
Villarreal currently occupies fourth place in LaLiga, firmly situated in the Champions League spots as the season approaches its halfway mark.
At just 21, Freeman’s market value has increased substantially over the past year. He has made 30 league and playoff appearances for Orlando, scoring six goals and adding three assists, while also representing the United States in 13 matches, netting two goals. His standout performance in last summer’s Gold Cup caught the attention of U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino, culminating in a remarkable two-goal showing during a 5-1 friendly victory over Uruguay.
Freeman, son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman, is taking a gamble regarding his World Cup aspirations. Unlike his previous role at Orlando, playing time at Villarreal is not guaranteed. With teammates such as PSV Eindhoven‘s Sergiño Dest, Marseille‘s Timothy Weah, and Borussia Mönchengladbach‘s Joe Scally all receiving ample game time at their respective clubs, Freeman might find himself struggling to secure a spot on the U.S. roster.
Nonetheless, if Freeman quickly adapts to life at Villarreal, he could further enhance his marketability.