Atubolu extends Freiburg contract amid Frankfurt interest

Noah Atubolu has signed a contract extension with Freiburg, according to reports circulating in the German media. 

The new deal, which runs until 2027, is primarily designed to protect the club’s interests by preventing the goalkeeper from departing as a free agent at the end of his previous agreement. 

While the extension secures his future at the club on paper, it is widely expected to facilitate a temporary departure, with Eintracht Frankfurt emerging as the leading contender for his signature.

Interest from the English Premier League had previously been reported, yet Atubolu now appears set to remain in the Bundesliga.

Frankfurt are keen to strengthen their goalkeeping options but are unlikely to meet any permanent transfer fee that Freiburg would demand. 

As a result, a loan arrangement featuring either an obligation or an option to buy is considered the most realistic path forward. 

A permanent move could still materialize later if one of Frankfurt’s current keepers, Kauã Santos or Michael Zetterer, departs the club.

The 24-year-old product of Freiburg’s academy broke into the first team during the 2023/24 campaign and has since established himself as a regular. 

He has accumulated 94 Bundesliga appearances for the side. Last season he started every one of the club’s 34 league matches and recorded six clean sheets. 

Atubolu also played a significant role as Freiburg reached the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League final, where they finished as runners-up to Aston Villa.

The contract extension therefore represents a pragmatic solution for all parties. Freiburg retain control over a homegrown talent while creating space for a temporary exit, Frankfurt gain a proven Bundesliga goalkeeper without an immediate heavy outlay, and Atubolu continues his development at a competitive level within Germany’s top flight. 

Further developments are anticipated in the coming weeks as negotiations progress.