Landon Donovan Sounds Alarm on Alex Freeman’s USMNT Future

Landon Donovan Raises Concern Over Alex Freeman’s USMNT Future

"And so, I know I talked about this at the time. I always say the grass isn't always greener. And I do think, I will say, I have to say, long-term, this is the right move. I said at the time, I love the move, I hate the timing."

"And so, I hope, Tim [Howard], I really genuinely hope I'm wrong on this, and I hope in a month this is water under the bridge, and he's playing and everything. But if this continues through the summer, he's now put himself at risk. I think he'll be on the roster, but not playing, right?"

Donovan explained that his concern is that, for him, Freeman is an impactful player, but if he doesn't play, he won't arrive in good form and therefore won't be a starter in the World Cup.

"And I think he's a good player, man, and he's impactful, and so I just really struggle with this. I do. I did at the time. I hope I'm wrong. I hope he finds his way in, but it's not trending well right now. He didn't get off the bench this weekend. In the last few games, he hasn't. So it's not trending well."

Freeman was transferred from Orlando City to Villarreal on Jan. 29, 2026, for $4 million, according to Transfermarkt.