Eintracht Frankfurt close to making Noah Atubolu’s move permanent

Eintracht Frankfurt are closing in on a permanent deal for goalkeeper Noah Atubolu following his impressive performances since joining the Bundesliga club from SC Freiburg last summer.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper has established himself as an important figure at Frankfurt, convincing the club’s hierarchy that he should remain beyond the current campaign.

According to Sky Sport, Frankfurt secured a purchase obligation as part of the initial loan agreement, with the clause dependent on two conditions: Bundesliga survival and the goalkeeper reaching an agreed number of competitive appearances.

The appearance requirement could reportedly be fulfilled within the next one to three matches. If Frankfurt subsequently secure their Bundesliga status, the purchase obligation will automatically be activated.

Frankfurt face €13 million transfer bill

The permanent transfer is expected to cost between €12 million and €13 million, making Atubolu one of the most expensive goalkeepers in Bundesliga transfer history.

Frankfurt are already planning for his long-term future, with a permanent contract expected once the transfer becomes official.

Atubolu initially joined the Eagles on loan from Freiburg in August 2026 after extending his contract with his former club.

The agreement included a purchase option that would become an obligation once the agreed sporting conditions were fulfilled.

Atubolu establishes himself in Frankfurt

The goalkeeper’s development at Frankfurt has been encouraging after a complicated summer during which his future at Freiburg remained uncertain.

Atubolu previously established himself as Freiburg’s first-choice goalkeeper, making 125 competitive appearances for the club’s senior team.

His performances also helped Freiburg reach the 2025/26 Europa League final, where he featured throughout their European campaign.

The 24-year-old is now looking to maintain his progress in Frankfurt and strengthen his ambitions of becoming Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper.

With the appearance requirement reportedly close to being fulfilled, his permanent move to Frankfurt appears increasingly likely, provided the club avoid relegation.