The World Cup is just around the corner, making transfers critical for players looking to secure their spot on their national teams. For current starters, moving clubs with only six months until the tournament can be fraught with danger and opportunity. A misstep could mean a player loses their position, but a successful transition might elevate a benchwarmer to a starter. This is the scenario right back Alex Freeman hopes to navigate. After making a splash with the United States men’s national team, Freeman seems poised to elevate his game further with a potential move to Spanish club Villarreal, as reported by the Athletic.
Freeman’s timeline is remarkable. Just over a year ago, he made his first start for Orlando City SC in March 2025 and promptly secured the league’s Young Player of the Year award in October. The leap he might make to Spain could put him in direct competition for the right back spot with Sergino Dest on the USMNT. Villarreal is in urgent need of a replacement for starting right back Juan Foyth, who recently succumbed to a tendon injury, creating an avenue for Freeman to secure a starting role. The Yellow Submarine has also shown an affinity for MLS talent, with players like Tajon Buchanan and Tami Oluwaseyi already making an impact.
Yet, this opportunity is not without challenges. Transitioning to life in Spain will come with a learning curve. Freeman has thrived in MLS primarily by leveraging his physical prowess in attacking situations. However, adjusting to a more tactical league like La Liga will require significant focus on his defensive positioning and passing. Fortunately, his physical attributes will serve him well in this more technical environment.
As illustrated in the accompanying chart that compares Freeman with other wing backs and fullbacks, his attacking metrics have been sensational at Orlando, but there remains considerable room for improvement in his passing and defensive statistics.
CBS Sports
Freeman’s debut for the USMNT against Turkiye in a June friendly was no easy feat. He found himself tasked with marking Kenan Yildiz, a player with a Juventus background. While the match presented its challenges, Freeman adapted quickly. “It was my first U.S. game, my first start, and I look up, and I have to go against the guy who has played for Juventus and has been a key player. So I really had to be at my best,” Freeman reflected in an October interview with CBS Sports. “I got beaten on that first pass, and I realized it was going to be a long game as I tried to gain my confidence.”
Young players often face the deep end, where the ability to rise to the occasion is a crucial yet elusive trait. Some possess the skills but falter under pressure. Thankfully, Freeman hasn’t shown this vulnerability. Even with his move overseas, he appears more prepared than most young players making the same transition, having left home at 16 to join the Weston FC academy.
Every transfer carries its risks, but Villarreal’s experience with MLS players and Freeman’s adaptability may prove to be a beneficial match if he can refine his skills in Spain. This scenario offers tantalizing possibilities. With Freeman’s impressive upward trajectory and the World Cup approaching, his journey is only getting more captivating.
USMNT Outlook
In 2025, Freeman made his mark, achieving 13 caps for the USMNT—only two players, Diego Luna and Max Arfsten, have more. He even opened his scoring account with a brace against Uruguay in one of the year’s standout performances under Mauricio Pochettino. With the contentious right back position facing critical upcoming matches against Belgium and Portugal, Freeman will have the chance to train with Villarreal and push for a starting spot.
Freeman’s competition is fierce, with Tim Weah and Dest both performing at a Champions League level for Marseille and PSV. Remaining on the bench in Spain could jeopardize his World Cup chances. It’s a classic case of betting on oneself. For Villarreal, securing Freeman for a reported $4 million is a low-risk, high-reward investment. As other Americans like Ricardo Pepi are pursued by Fulham, and Josh Sargent by Toronto FC, Freeman stands out as a potential candidate to make a significant impact in Spain. This development could lead to tough decisions for Pochettino as the USMNT aims to improve their round-of-16 finish from the 2022 World Cup, a situation that can only bode well for the team.
