Atubolu Set to Join Onyedika at Eintracht Frankfurt

Noah Atubolu, a 24-year-old goalkeeper, is poised to join Raphael Onyedika at Eintracht Frankfurt following a significant development in his transfer situation with SC Freiburg. Freiburg and Atubolu have reached an agreement in principle for a contract extension, which aims to enable a loan move to Frankfurt while safeguarding the club’s financial interests.

Atubolu, who had been under contract until June 2027, previously rejected an extension as he sought a transfer to a larger club, particularly in the Premier League, but interest from Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Hull City did not materialize. He has been Freiburg’s first-choice goalkeeper for three years, contributing to the club's run to the 2026 UEFA Europa League final and making 36 Bundesliga appearances last season.

After Freiburg signed Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen, Atubolu's path back to the starting position was blocked. Frankfurt, having suffered a 7-0 pre-season defeat to Brentford, is looking to strengthen its goalkeeper position.

Freiburg values Atubolu at approximately €15 million, but both clubs prefer a loan structure with a potential purchase clause.