Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper Atubolu expected to move before the transfer window closes

NIGERIA-eligible goalkeeper Noah Atubolu is expected to move before the close of the summer transfer window at the end of the month as the battle to secure his services intensifies with several English Premier League battling rivals from across Germany and France.

Atubolu, 24, who currently plays for German Bundesliga side Frieburg, is eligible to play for Nigeria through his father. He has represented Germany at U17, U19, U20  and U21 levels but if he were to commit his senior international allegiance to Nigeria, Atubolu would have to go through a switch with global football governing body Fifa.

Following his heroic performances in Die Bundesliga and his help in getting Freiburg to the final of the Europa League last season, Atubolu has become highly sought after. According to Sky Sport Germany, Frankfurt have become the latest club to start watching Atubolu, joining English Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

This latest interest comes as Italian sides Napoli and Juventus have already made contact over a possible deal earlier in the summer, while French giants Marseille have also been linked with the goalkeeper. Freiburg have reportedly rejected a bid from Marseille for Atubolu, who has not hidden his desire to play in the English Premier League above all others.

Atubolu has built his career at Freiburg after joining the club's youth system in 2015. He made his first-team debut during the 2022/23 season and has since become the club's first-choice goalkeeper and Bundesliga records list him with 94 league appearances up until May 2026.

Freiburg has listed Atubolu as German and Nigerian on their website, making his club future important to Nigeria's goalkeeping plans. Atubolu has a contract with Freiburg until 2027 and reports have put his expected transfer fee at about €25m to €30m.