Villarreal step up move for United States international Alex Freeman | OneFootball

Villarreal are pushing to sign Orlando City right-back Alex Freeman this month after Juan Foyth’s season-ending injury, according to El Periódico Mediterráneo. Talks have reopened over a deal long planned for the summer.

The club have already sealed the loan of winger Alfon González from Sevilla, which includes a non-obligatory option to buy of seven million at the end of the season. Recent outgoings included Manor Solomon to Fiorentina on loan from Tottenham, Ilias Akhomach to Rayo Vallecano on loan after renewing, and Thiago Fernández, signed as a free agent after leaving Vélez Sarsfield, then loaned to Real Oviedo.

Freeman, 21, is a United States international with 13 caps and two goals. Villarreal have tracked him for some time and reached an agreement with the player last summer, but Orlando rejected a bid around three million euros, then extended his deal in December to December 2026.

Negotiations have resumed and are described as advanced, though Villarreal are cautious and stress nothing is closed. The proposed package is 3.2 million euros plus up to two million in difficult add-ons tied to Champions League qualification in every season, high appearance thresholds or trophies.

Freeman’s arrival would strengthen right-back and give Marcelino García Toral the option to use Mouriño or Pau Navarro in their natural role at centre-back.

The player wants a move to Europe and is pushing for progress, and Orlando now appears likely to find an agreement with Villarreal if terms are reached. Should it happen, Freeman would be the club’s third winter addition after Thiago Fernández and Alfon González.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo