Another bright young talent is set to leap across the pond to test himself on European shores, with Orlando City starlet Alex Freeman completing a $7 million move to LaLiga outfit Villarreal.
Freeman, due to be out of contract at the end of the upcoming 2026 MLS season, arrives at Estadio de la Cerámica and will slot into an El Submarino Amarillo side under Marcelino as they look to push for Champions League qualification, with the Lions also receiving a sell-on fee.
The 21-year-old USMNT full-back has been one of the standout youngsters in MLS since first breaking into the senior ranks at Inter&Co Stadium during the 2023 season before going on to cement his place in the starting XI under Óscar Pareja in 2025.
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Freeman was unquestionably one of the top defenders in MLS last season, earning All-Star and MLS Best XI honors, and pocketing MLS Young Player of the Year after logging six goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.
In line for a potential starting role at the 2026 World Cup, Freeman has earned 15 caps for the Stars and Stripes, and recently hit a brace during a 5-1 friendly win against Uruguay in November.
📸 Megan Briggs – 2025 Getty Images
