Freiburg boss confirms impending Atubolu exit amid Premier League, Serie A and Bundesliga interest
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Noah Atubolu and SC Freiburg have decided to part ways this summer after months of talks over a contract extension beyond 2027.
Speaking to Kicker, Freiburg sporting director Jochen Saier confirms that the plan is for the goalkeeper to be sold, with Mio Backhaus already brought in from SV Werder Bremen as his replacement.
“We also had good conversations with Noah himself on a regular basis, and we made intensive efforts over the last six months to extend his contract,” Saier said.
“We have a special relationship with Noah and informed him personally after the [Europa League] final that a transfer is emerging. He can now move forward with his agents and plan his future, and find the best possible club for himself,” he added.
Speculation over Atubolu’s future has been ongoing for months, with clubs from the Premier League, Serie A and the Bundesliga all linked with the German goalkeeper.
“If that move happens, it will have been a wonderful shared success story. He is a boy from our city and our football academy, whom we promoted to first-choice goalkeeper at 21 and who has developed tremendously over three years, also thanks to the great trust we placed in him,” Saier said.
