Olympique de Marseille’s negotiations to sign SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu have been put on hold, allowing Eintracht Frankfurt to consider a move for the 24-year-old.
Talks between Marseille and the Germany-based goalkeeper had reached an advanced stage, but discussions were unexpectedly paused last weekend, according to Florian Plettenberg. The development has left Atubolu waiting for clarity over his future as interest in his services grows.
Atubolu, who is of Nigerian heritage, is looking for a new challenge after an impressive season in the Bundesliga. A departure from SC Freiburg appears increasingly likely, with the club having already moved to prepare for the goalkeeper’s possible exit by signing young goalkeeper Mio Backhaus.
Eintracht Frankfurt are now hoping to take advantage of the delay in Marseille’s negotiations and move ahead of the French club. The Bundesliga side are searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper after being alarmed by a heavy defeat against Brentford in a recent friendly.
The performances of Frankfurt’s current goalkeepers have also failed to convince the club’s sporting hierarchy. Atubolu’s profile is therefore being actively assessed as the German club considers him for the starting role.
The goalkeeper had initially been attracted by the possibility of playing in England, but he is now understood to be open to other opportunities. That has increased the potential for a transfer to Frankfurt, although Marseille’s interest remains significant after the progress made in the earlier discussions.
Atubolu’s current market value is estimated at 25m euros, while his contract with SC Freiburg expires next summer. He earns an annual salary of 1,130,000 euros, equivalent to 734,500,000 CFA francs.
The immediate focus for Freiburg will be their opening-round match in the German Cup against Dusseldorf. Betting company 1xbet lists Freiburg as favourites, with the club priced at 1.42 to win. A draw is rated at 4.75, while Dusseldorf are priced at 7.00.
The fixture will take place as Freiburg continue preparations for the new campaign, while Atubolu’s situation remains unresolved. With his contract entering its final year and both Marseille and Eintracht Frankfurt monitoring developments, the goalkeeper’s next move could become one of the key transfer decisions surrounding the club.