SC Freiburg have rejected initial enquiries for goalkeeper Noah Atubolu and will only consider a sale if a bid reaches €25–30 million, according to transfer rumours. The Bundesliga club are determined to retain the 23-year-old despite strong interest from Aston Villa, AFC Bournemouth, Inter Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Fussballdaten.de reports that a “strategic battle” is taking place for Atubolu’s services, with clubs from the Premier League, Serie A and the Bundesliga all monitoring his situation. However, the Breisgauers’ management and coaching staff are satisfied with his leadership qualities and development potential. Consequently, the club have dismissed early approaches and intend to continue giving him starts between the posts rather than cashing in on their asset.
Premium valuation deters suitors
According to reports from transfer circles, Freiburg would only sanction Atubolu’s departure for a fee of at least €25 million to €30 million. This substantial valuation reflects both the goalkeeper’s importance to the team and the club’s comfortable financial position, which means they feel no pressure to sell.
The asking price places significant pressure on interested parties. Aston Villa, who regularly compete in European competition, and Italian champions Inter Milan both possess the resources to meet such demands, though neither appears willing to trigger the valuation at present. AFC Bournemouth and Eintracht Frankfurt also feature among the pursuing clubs.
Goalkeeper competition intensifies
Should Atubolu remain at the Schwarzwald-Stadion beyond the current window, he faces stiff competition for the number-one jersey. Freiburg signed fellow goalkeeper Mio Backhaus for a club-record fee earlier this summer, significantly strengthening their options between the posts.
This creates a potentially intense battle for playing time, with two highly-rated shot-stoppers vying for starts. While Atubolu currently holds the advantage as the established starter, Backhaus’s arrival ensures pressure remains high regardless of whether the keeper stays or goes.
With weeks remaining in the transfer window, Atubolu’s future remains uncertain. Unless a club meets Freiburg’s firm valuation, the goalkeeper appears set to stay and fight for his place.