USMNT’s Alex Freeman reportedly sold to Villarreal by Orlando City | USA

U.S. national team defender Alex Freeman is set to leave Orlando City for Villarreal in the Spanish La Liga, The Athletic and ESPN reported Monday.

The transfer fee would start at over $4 million, but could exceed $7 million with add-ons included. According to ESPN, Orlando City would get 15% of the revenue if Villarreal sells Freeman in the future.

Freeman could have been eligible for a free transfer later this year, but Orlando City ensured he would receive financial compensation for his departure by making the move during European football’s January transfer window.

Freeman, 21, is the son of former Green Bay Packers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Freeman.

The young 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 league games in total, all off the bench, for the Lions in the previous two seasons. He is considered one of the brightest young prospects in American men’s soccer; an athletic fullback comfortable pushing forward with the ball at his feet, but also a competent defender.

He was introduced to the United States men’s national team last May and started every match for the team in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Freeman scored his first two goals in international competition in a friendly match against Uruguay in Tampa on November 18. At the end of the year, he had 13 caps.

Villarreal sit fourth in the La Liga table, behind heavyweights Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. They are penultimate in the Champions League standings.

Orlando City finished ninth in the MLS Eastern Conference last season before losing a wild card playoff game.