US Defender Alex Freeman Transfers to Villarreal

Orlando, Florida (AP) — American defender Alex Freeman, a 21-year-old rising star on the U.S. men's national team, has transferred from Major League Soccer's Orlando City to Spanish club Villarreal for an initial fee of about 3.5 million euros, with up to 2.5 million euros more in performance-based add-ons.

The move, announced Thursday, marks a significant step for Freeman, who enters the final year of his Orlando contract and positions himself for a key role in the 2026 World Cup. Orlando City will retain a 15 percent share of any future transfer fee for the academy product, making this the club's third-largest outgoing deal and the highest for a homegrown player.

Freeman's path to Europe reflects his rapid ascent. Born on August 9, 2004, in the United States, he is the son of former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Freeman, who won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 1997 and played nine professional seasons. Alex joined Orlando's academy and made his MLS debut on April 29, 2023, as a late substitute. He appeared twice more as a sub in 2024, totaling 10 minutes, before securing the starting right back position last season, displacing Dagur Dan Thorhallsson.