USA's Alex Freeman Reportedly Agrees to Villarreal Move

One of the USA's best young soccer talents is on his way to Spain. 

U.S. men's national team right-back Alex Freeman is reportedly set for a move to Villarreal from MLS team Orlando City, according to The Athletic. The deal is reportedly worth a potential fee worth at least $7 million, as well as a sell-on clause for Orlando.  

The 21-year-old defender will make the jump to Spain's LaLiga after becoming a breakout talent for MLS. His versatility in the back-line earned him an All-Star selection in 2025 and the league's Young Player of the Year honors. His six goals were tied for most among MLS defenders. 

The son of former NFL star Antonio Freeman, he has earned 11 caps with the USA and was part of the squad that reached the Gold Cup final in 2025. 

Alex Freeman has become a reliable roster call-up for USA manager Mauricio Pochettino. FOX Sports soccer insider Doug McIntyre projects him to be part of the 26-man roster for the USA at the 2026 World Cup, where he could start in the back line for Pochettino.

Read more: Projecting the USA's 26-Man World Cup Roster

Last November, McIntyre spoke with Alex Freeman – who had a breakout performance with two goals for the USA in a 5-1 friendly win over Uruguay in Tampa – about his dream of playing in Europe and securing a spot for the World Cup. 

"I need to be in the best form for the World Cup," Alex Freeman said before that Nov. 18 game. "I’m comfortable in Orlando. I know I’ll be able to play my game there, know the culture, staff, know everything I have to do. It depends on what I want to do and what I feel is best for me. If something happens, maybe I move. But the World Cup is coming. I need to be ready for the most important time in my life."

In that game in Tampa,