Brad Friedel knows Alex Freeman’s family, and the former Tottenham goalkeeper would love to see the USA’s World Cup right-back in a Spurs shirt.
Freeman, 22, has been linked with both Tottenham and Manchester City in recent weeks, as we covered when Spurs and City first went head to head for him. Reports earlier this month suggested Freeman is open to a move to the Etihad in 2027, which looked like a boost for City.
Friedel, who played in goal for Spurs and the USA, thinks Tottenham should not give up on him.
What did Brad Friedel say about Alex Freeman?
Friedel was full of praise for the player and the person. He said: “Alex is a really good player and a really good kid. I know Alex’s family and I think he has the quality to be in the Premier League, that’s for sure.”
He was more careful about where Freeman ends up, and pointed to De Zerbi’s ambitions. “Whether it’s a team that, because De Zerbi is going to want to be in the Champions League, whether it’s there, it’s yet to be seen,” he said.
Then came the part Spurs fans will like. “But I think that could be a really interesting recruitment strategy, but one that they need to take their time on and really look,” Friedel added. “But character-wise, Alex is fantastic and it would be brilliant to see him line up at Spurs.”
Who is Alex Freeman?
Freeman was born in 2004 and joined Villarreal from Orlando in January. His stock has only gone up since, and he was the USA’s first-choice right-back throughout the 2026 World Cup under former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
He scored once and set up another at the tournament, with his goal coming in a 2-0 group-stage win over Australia. He also scored twice in a 5-1 friendly win over Hoffenheim. This season he has made 15 appearances for Villarreal in all competitions, with one assist.
He is not only a right-back, either. Freeman can also play at left-back, at centre-back and on the right wing, and Transfermarkt values him at €15m (£12.5m).
Where would he fit at Tottenham?
Right now, he would have a fight on his hands. Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Destiny Udogie and Andy Robertson all play in the full-back spots, and Souza is due back from his loan at Porto in 2027.
Porro is the key. He is fit again and pushing to start at Elland Road, as we explained in our Tottenham predicted lineup vs Leeds United, and he signed a new contract to 2031 in June, so Spurs are under no pressure to sell. But the Spain World Cup winner has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid, and he has opened the door to a return to La Liga one day.
If Spurs miss out on Europe for 2027-28, a big offer from Camp Nou or the Bernabeu could tempt him, and that is when a player like Freeman makes real sense.
Should Spurs fight City for Freeman?
We think so, but Friedel’s point about taking their time is the right one. Freeman is young, cheap by Premier League standards and can cover four positions, which is exactly the kind of player a squad hit by injuries needs.
The bigger question is timing. If Porro stays, Freeman is a very good back-up. If Porro goes, Spurs would need a ready-made starter, and Freeman’s World Cup summer says he could be one. Either way, at £12.5m, he is worth a serious look before City make up their minds.
