Millwall Hijack Alex Freeman Deal from Southampton
Millwall have sensationally hijacked Southampton’s move for highly-rated right-back Alex Freeman, with the 20-year-old defender now set to join the Lions from Orlando City in a surprise transfer twist.
Freeman, a promising talent in Major League Soccer, had been on the radar of several Championship and Premier League clubs in recent months thanks to his performances with Orlando City B and sporadic appearances with the first team. Southampton appeared to be in pole position to sign the young American, with reports earlier this month suggesting the Saints had agreed terms in principle with both the player and his club. However, Millwall moved swiftly in the final stages of negotiations to snatch the deal from under their noses.
According to sources close to the deal, Millwall’s aggressive push included improved personal terms for Freeman and a clearer pathway to first-team football – something the Saints reportedly could not guarantee amid heavy competition at the full-back position.
Freeman is regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects in the U.S. youth setup. He has represented the United States at U17 and U19 levels, and his athleticism, composure on the ball, and ability to contribute in the attacking phase have earned him comparisons to fellow American full-backs like Sergiño Dest and Joe Scally.
Born in Weston, Florida, Freeman joined the Orlando City academy in 2021 and quickly rose through the ranks. Standing at 6 feet tall, he combines physicality with a natural attacking instinct, often playing as a wing-back or even in a more advanced role when needed. In the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season, he registered several assists and showcased his ability to dictate tempo from the right flank, attracting attention from scouts across Europe.
Millwall’s move signals their intent to invest in youth as they aim to rebuild and push toward promotion contention in the 2025–26 season. New manager Neil Harris, in his second spell at the club, has prioritized athleticism and versatility in the transfer window, and Freeman ticks all the boxes for the kind of full-back suited to his high-energy system.
Speaking on the potential arrival, a source within the club said: *“We’ve been tracking Alex for a while. He’s got tremendous upside, and we believe he can adapt quickly to English football. The opportunity to bring in someone of his potential, especially ahead of competition like Southampton, is a major coup for us.”*
The deal is expected to be finalized within days, pending medicals and international clearance. While the fee remains undisclosed, it is believed to be in the region of £600,000, with add-ons based on appearances and performance.
For Southampton, who have recently missed out on a number of young targets, this is another frustrating blow. Manager Russell Martin had earmarked Freeman as a long-term development project, but the club’s inability to seal the deal quickly has now cost them.
Millwall fans will be eager to see how Freeman adapts to the Championship, and if his rapid development continues, the Lions may have pulled off one of the shrewdest moves of the summer window.
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