Atubolu’s Freiburg future in doubt as Frankfurt assess goalkeeper move

Olympique de Marseille’s negotiations for SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu have been paused, allowing Eintracht Frankfurt to consider a move for the 24-year-old.

Marseille had believed it had made major progress in discussions over the German goalkeeper, but talks were unexpectedly put on hold last weekend, according to Florian Plettenberg.

The development has left Atubolu waiting for clarity over his future. The goalkeeper, who is of Nigerian descent, is keen to take on a new challenge after an impressive season in the Bundesliga.

A move away from SC Freiburg appears increasingly likely, with the German club having already prepared for a possible departure by signing young goalkeeper Mio Backhaus.

Eintracht Frankfurt are now looking to take advantage of the delay in Marseille’s negotiations. The club, known as SGE, are searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper after being concerned by the performances of their current options.

Those concerns were heightened by a heavy defeat by Brentford in a recent friendly. Frankfurt’s sporting department is now actively considering Atubolu as a potential new number one.

Atubolu had initially been attracted by the prospect of playing in England, but he is now understood to be open to other opportunities. That could give Eintracht Frankfurt encouragement as they assess whether to advance their interest.

The goalkeeper’s current market value is estimated at 25 million euros. His contract with SC Freiburg expires next summer, a factor which could influence negotiations as interested clubs weigh up the cost of signing him.

Atubolu currently earns an annual salary of 1,130,000 euros in Germany, equivalent to 734,500,000 FCFA.

The goalkeeper was born in Freiburg and has been central to the club’s plans, but the arrival of Backhaus suggests SC Freiburg are making preparations for a change between the posts. Marseille’s stalled discussions have therefore created an opening for Eintracht Frankfurt to move ahead in the race.

SC Freiburg’s immediate focus will be on their first-round match in the German Cup against Dusseldorf. Betting company 1xBet lists Freiburg as favourites for the fixture, with the club priced at 1.42 to win. A draw is offered at 4.75, while a Dusseldorf victory is priced at 7.00.

Atubolu’s next steps could now depend on whether Marseille revive their negotiations or Frankfurt decide to take advantage of the situation before his contract enters its final year.