Noah Atubolu
Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth are looking at SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu this summer.
The 24-year-old has been the Bundesliga side’s No.1 since the 2022/23 season and last season, he kept 12 clean sheets and conceded 70 goals from 50 matches.
Atubolu is looking for a way out and Aston Villa and Bournemouth can offer him an escape route.
Newcastle United initially showed interest but decided against making advances.
On June 17th, Sport Witness covered claims from Germany that Hull City made an initial approach to sign him. However, the Tigers haven’t made further advances since then.
Aston Villa and Bournemouth new suitors
Sky Deutschland claims the German will leave SC Freiburg soon, and the Premier League is most likely his next destination.
Aston Villa and Bournemouth are among the clubs showing interest. Besides these two clubs, Sky claims there’s ‘one big surprise’ club, without revealing their details.
The report further adds ‘talks are underway’, but don’t make it clear whether it’s with Unai Emery’s side or the Cherries.
There’s still a lack of clarity on several aspects, and there’s optimism the goalkeeper will move to England this summer.
Why Atubolu has no future at Freiburg
Despite being No.1 in recent years, the German has no future at the Bundesliga side. He has a contract until 2027, and Transfermarkt value him at €25m.
SC Freiburg weren’t successful in extending Noah Atubolu’s contract and have decided to part ways with him on good terms. Jochen Saier, their sporting director, has confirmed this, and Sport1 have relayed his comments.
He said: “It’s no secret that we’ve been working on a contract extension for some time. Communication has always been open, and it’s perfectly legitimate that Noah has decided to pursue a different path. Noah is in talks with other clubs, and I’m convinced we’ll part ways on very good terms.”
Aston Villa are closing in on signing Atubolu’s club teammate Johan Manzambi. The Villans can offer Champions League football while Bournemouth have qualified for the Europa League.
These two factors may favour Unai Emery’s side, provided they make further advances to sign the stopper.
Noah Atubolu’s transfer situation
Hull City made contact in June after Newcastle United closed door
SC Freiburg want to part ways with him
Aston Villa and Bournemouth now keen
PL most likely destination for stopper