Alex Freeman joins Villarreal after 2025 breakout, aims to fight for World Cup spot

Alex Freeman completed a move to La Liga side Villarreal on January 29, leaving Orlando City after a breakout 2025 that included 13 caps for the USMNT, GOAL reported following a January interview with the defender. GOAL traced Freeman's rise to two friendlies: a nervous USMNT debut against Turkey in May and a confident performance in November, when he scored twice in a 5-1 win over Uruguay — his 13th cap.

Freeman told GOAL the Uruguay game gave him confidence and even had him thinking about a hat-trick. The transfer to Villarreal was reported to involve a fee that could rise to $7 million; Orlando sold while Freeman was in the final year of his contract. Orlando City General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira praised Freeman's progression from academy prospect to MLS All-Star and one of the league's top emerging talents.

Freeman said he spoke with USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino before the move, and the Argentine gave the transfer his blessing. Pochettino, he added, emphasised supporting players through changes and helping them adapt without losing focus on performance as World Cup selection approaches.

What happens next is a test of consistency: Freeman knows he must fight for a club place at Villarreal and a World Cup spot as competition and form can change quickly.

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