Villarreal Set to Acquire Alex Freeman from Orlando City for $4 Million

omidbasir- LaLiga club Villarreal is in the final stages of acquiring United States and Orlando City defender Alex Freeman for a transfer fee estimated at around $4 million, which could potentially increase to $6.5 million depending on incentives, as reported by a source familiar with the transaction.

Additionally, Orlando City SC will receive 15% of any future transfer fee concerning Freeman, according to the same source.

If the deal is finalized, it represents a significant achievement for Orlando, especially considering that Freeman’s contract was set to expire at the end of 2026. Had he chosen to delay a transfer, he could have signed a pre-contract with another team this summer and left as a free agent thereafter.

Although Freeman had the option to re-sign with Orlando for a maximum U22 contract valued at approximately $800,000 annually, he has decided to accept Villarreal’s offer. The necessary documentation is currently being prepared to complete the transfer.

Currently, Villarreal occupies the fourth position in LaLiga, firmly securing a spot in the Champions League as the season progresses.

At just 21 years of age, Freeman has seen his market value soar over the past year. He has made 30 league and playoff appearances for Orlando, contributing six goals and three assists, and has also represented the United States 13 times, scoring twice. His performance during last summer’s Gold Cup notably impressed U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino, culminating in a strong finish to 2025 with two goals in a 5-1 friendly victory over Uruguay.

As the son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman, he is taking a calculated risk regarding his World Cup ambitions. Unlike his assured playing time at Orlando, his role at Villarreal is uncertain. With competitors like PSV Eindhoven’s Sergiño Dest, Marseille’s Timothy Weah, and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Joe Scally receiving regular minutes, Freeman may find himself at a disadvantage when it comes to securing a spot on the U.S. national team.

However, if Freeman can adapt quickly to his new environment at Villarreal, he may enhance his prospects even further.