Villarreal step up Alex Freeman pursuit after Juan Foyth injury | OneFootball

Villarreal have accelerated their search for a right-back after Juan Foyth suffered a serious injury that rules him out for the rest of the season. According to Superdeporte, the club are pushing to land Alex Freeman from Orlando City before the window closes.

A summer move had been planned, now brought forward and treated as a priority. Villarreal also finalised a loan for winger Alfon González from Sevilla, with a non-compulsory seven million euros option at season’s end.

Freeman, 21, is a United States international with 13 caps and 2 goals, and plays in MLS for Orlando City. Villarreal have tracked him for some time.

Villarreal had an agreement with the player and his camp last summer, but Orlando rejected an offer worth around three million euros. Orlando then extended his deal unilaterally in December to December 2026.

Talks have reopened following Foyth’s setback as both clubs seek a formula for a January exit. Freeman’s arrival would bolster the right flank and let Marcelino move Mouriño or Pau Navarro into their natural role at centre-back.

The negotiations are well advanced, though not yet agreed, and caution remains. If completed, Freeman would be Villarreal’s third winter addition after free agent Thiago Fernández in early January and Alfon González. The player wants a European move and is pushing to accelerate matters, and Orlando City appears destined to reach an understanding.

Source: Superdeporte