Eintracht Frankfurt are preparing to move goalkeeper Kaua Santos on before the transfer window closes after losing faith in the Brazilian following a disastrous pre-season performance.
According to Absolut Fussball, the Bundesliga club are open to offloading Santos either on loan or permanently after a 7-0 friendly loss to Brentford proved the final straw. The report claims confidence in the shot-stopper has evaporated, prompting an urgent search for alternatives ahead of the new campaign.
Atubolu targeted as new No. 1
The German side are actively pursuing a new first-choice keeper, with Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu identified as the primary target. However, Kicker report that Freiburg are demanding approximately €15 million for the 22-year-old, a figure Absolut Fussball suggests is unrealistic for Eintracht given their current budget constraints.
Should the club fail to secure Atubolu or another established No. 1, Michael Zetterer remains the likely candidate to start the season between the posts. The 31-year-old German is viewed as the main internal alternative to Santos and performed respectably when called upon last term.
Leeds enquiry meets resistance
The uncertainty has attracted attention from England, where Leeds United have made an enquiry about Zetterer’s availability. The Premier League club, managed by German coach Daniel Farke, are seeking a replacement for Lucas Perri, who is expected to complete a move to Torino.
Despite the interest from Elland Road, Zetterer currently has “no intention of leaving Eintracht at the moment,” according to Absolut Fussball. The goalkeeper believes he can win the starting role ahead of Santos, though his position could become untenable if the club successfully signs a new first-choice keeper.
The situation leaves Eintracht facing a complex balancing act: securing a deal for Atubolu or another top-tier replacement, finding a new club for the out-of-favour Santos, and fending off interest in Zetterer, who may yet prove crucial if their primary transfer target remains out of reach.
The coming weeks will determine whether Frankfurt secure their preferred target, or whether Zetterer’s determination to fight for his place sees him remain in Germany while Santos departs for fresh opportunities elsewhere.