"Freeman, 21, has seen his value skyrocket over the last year, not only making 30 league and playoff appearances for the Lions -- in which he scored six goals and added three assists -- but making 13 appearances for the United States and scoring two goals. It was during last summer's Gold Cup that Freeman made a considerable impression on U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino."
"The deal, if completed, amounts to an impressive bit of business for Orlando given that Freeman's contract was set to expire at the end of 2026, meaning he could have signed a pre-contract with another club as early as this summer, and left on a free transfer at the end of the year. Freeman also could have re-signed with Orlando, and was offered a max-U22 deal that would have paid him around $800,000 annually."
"Freeman, the son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman, is taking a risk as it relates to his World Cup prospects. Unlike his position with Orlando, playing time with the LaLiga side won't be guaranteed, and with the likes of PSV Eindhoven's Sergiño Dest, Marseille's Timothy Weah and Borussia Mönchengladbach Joe Scally all getting steady playing time with their clubs, Freeman could find"
Villarreal is finalizing the acquisition of United States and Orlando City defender Alex Freeman for approximately $4 million, with incentives possibly increasing the fee to $6.5 million. Orlando City SC will receive 15% of any future transfer. Freeman's contract with Orlando was due to expire at the end of 2026, and the club had offered a max-U22 deal worth about $800,000 annually, but Freeman opted to join Villarreal immediately. Villarreal sits fourth in LaLiga. Freeman made 30 league and playoff appearances with six goals and three assists, and has 13 caps and two goals for the U.S. national team, creating a potential World Cup selection risk due to uncertain playing time at his new club.
Read at ESPN.com
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