Orlando starlet Alex Freeman completes $7M move to Villarreal

The 21-year-old USMNT full-back joins the LaLiga club after a standout season with Orlando City.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Orlando City starlet Alex Freeman has completed a $7 million move to Spanish club Villarreal. The 21-year-old USMNT full-back was set to be out of contract at the end of the 2026 MLS season, but will now join El Submarino Amarillo as they look to push for Champions League qualification. Freeman was one of the top defenders in MLS last season, earning All-Star and MLS Best XI honors while being named the league's Young Player of the Year.

Why it matters

The transfer of Alex Freeman to Villarreal represents a significant move for a young American talent, as he looks to test himself against top-level European competition. Freeman's development and success in MLS has earned him a spot on the USMNT, and this move could boost his chances of playing a key role for the national team at the 2026 World Cup.

The details

Freeman, who has earned 15 caps for the USMNT, will slot into Villarreal's squad under manager Marcelino. The Spanish club will also receive a sell-on fee as part of the transfer agreement with Orlando City. Freeman was a standout performer for the Lions in 2025, logging six goals in 38 appearances across all competitions and being named the MLS Young Player of the Year.

  • Freeman was set to be out of contract at the end of the 2026 MLS season.
  • The transfer was completed on January 29, 2026.

The players

Alex Freeman

A 21-year-old USMNT full-back who has been one of the standout young players in MLS, earning All-Star and MLS Best XI honors in 2025.

Villarreal

A Spanish LaLiga club that is looking to push for Champions League qualification and has signed Freeman to bolster their squad.

Óscar Pareja

The head coach of Orlando City, who helped develop Freeman into one of the top young defenders in MLS.

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What they’re saying

“Alex Freeman is a bright young talent who has proven himself in MLS, and we're excited to bring him to Villarreal as we look to compete at the highest level.”

— Marcelino, Manager, Villarreal

What’s next

Freeman is expected to join Villarreal's preseason training camp in the coming weeks as he looks to make an immediate impact in LaLiga.

The takeaway

The transfer of Alex Freeman to Villarreal is a testament to the growing talent pool of young American players, and demonstrates the increasing appeal of MLS as a breeding ground for top European clubs to scout and acquire promising prospects.