USMNT January transfers: Villarreal sign Alex Freeman; Downs resets at Hamburg

GOAL has graded the major USMNT-related January moves as the transfer window continued, highlighting Alex Freeman’s transfer to Villarreal (reported Jan. 29) and several loans, including Damion Downs’ switch to Hamburg (Jan. 7). On Jan. 29 GOAL noted Villarreal paid about $4 million for 21-year-old full back Alex Freeman, calling the move a big leap to a Champions League club.

GOAL graded Freeman B+, said Villarreal got a steal (A) given his contract situation, and gave Orlando City a B for securing some fee plus add-ons and a sell-on clause. GOAL described Damion Downs’ loan to Hamburg as a much-needed reset after limited minutes at Southampton, reporting he’d not started since September and hadn’t played more than 15 minutes since early November.

GOAL gave Downs an A, rated Hamburg a B for the gamble, and gave Southampton a B as they look to recoup value. Other noted January moves and GOAL grades include Griffin Yow to New England Revolution (Jan. 21, $400k) — Yow B+, Revs A-, Westerlo B; Cole Campbell loan to Hoffenheim (Jan.

6) — Campbell B, Dortmund C, Hoffenheim B, with a reported purchase option of about $11.7m; Luca de la Torre to Charlotte FC (Dec. 30) — De la Torre A, Charlotte A, Celta Vigo B; and Cade Cowell loan to New York Red Bulls (Dec. 14) — Cowell B+, Red Bulls A, Chivas B. GOAL framed the window as quieter than usual with the World Cup looming, noting many players and clubs are wary of moves that could affect selection.

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