Tottenham target USMNT star Alex Freeman in world-record transfer domino

News

Tom Weber | Writer

Tottenham are targeting Villarreal sensation Alex Freeman as a potential replacement for Pedro Porro, who continues to be courted by LaLiga clubs.

The Spain international committed his long-term future to Spurs in the summer by signing a new contract until 2031, and yet transfer speculation has continued to swirl around Porro unabated.

The 27-year-old is said to be a key target for Barcelona and Real Madrid heading into 2027, with both clubs potentially having to make adjustments in their right-back departments. Jules Kounde is constantly being linked with a transfer away from the Catalans, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled since moving to Madrid last year.

A return to Spain appeals to Porro, but Spurs are obviously well-protected against any overtures due to the defender's recent extension. Earlier this month, TEAMtalk claimed that the North London club would demand a world-record fee in the event of a sale.

The current record fee for a right-back stands at €68 million. That's how much PSG shelled out to sign Achraf Hakimi from Inter in 2021, but it pales in comparison to Spurs' rumoured asking price of more than €88m for Porro.

Spurs target Freeman

The same outlet now writes that Tottenham are among the clubs showing an interest in Villarreal defender Alex Freeman, who starred for the United States men's national team at this summer's World Cup.

The 22-year-old's rapid development - going from MLS Next Pro to the Champions League in the space of a year - has attracted the attention of Premier League suitors, with Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City also said to be keeping tabs on the former Orlando City star.

During the World Cup, Tottenham's beloved former manager Mauricio Pochettino, currently in charge of the US, waxed lyrical about Freeman and tipped him to become one of the best defenders in the world.

"He’s a lovely guy, and an amazing player," the Argentine said after the youngster stole the show against Australia in the second match of the group stage. "For me, he has the potential to be one of the best players in his position in the world."

This comment moved Freeman's Super Bowl-winning father, Antonio, to tears. "Cried my eyes out," the Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer told Fox Sports when asked about Pochettino's praise. "In the world? Are you kidding me?"

Freeman has featured in all but one game for Villarreal this season. He has only been a substitute in the Champions League, but he has started six of the Yellow Submarine's last seven fixtures in LaLiga, which has coincided with an improvement in results after a torrid start.

Beyond his qualities as a defender, Freeman is an appealing player due to his versatility. He can play centrally and on both flanks and is equally comfortable in a back-three and a back-four.

It is claimed that Villarreal are braced for approaches as early as January, with Spurs one of his premier suitors. However, with Porro surely not moving before the summer, there is no urgency for the English club to move for Freeman mid-season.