SC Freiburg loses keeper Noah Atubolu – Aston Villa makes bid
SC Freiburg is on the brink of losing Noah Atubolu as Aston Villa has tabled a bid between £25 million and £30 million (about €25‑30 million). The 23‑year‑old, who logged 3 060 minutes in the 2025/26 Bundesliga, now sits at the centre of transfer speculation.
Why is Villa interested in Atubolu?
Unai Emery wants a reliable backup for Emi Martinez, and Atubolu fits the brief: quick off his line, comfortable with the ball, and already seasoned in the Europa League. Sources from England and Germany say Villa has moved the talks into the final stage, while other suitors like Hull City or Coventry City were turned down by the player.
What does Atubolu’s record at Freiburg look like?
In the 2025/26 Bundesliga season he kept six clean sheets and posted a save percentage of 63.92 %. FotMob gave him an average rating of 6.83. In the Europa League he started 15 times and recorded five clean sheets, including a 3‑0 win over Villa in May 2026.
What does the possible departure mean for Freiburg?
Freiburg has already secured Mio Backhaus as a replacement, a sign of proactive management. The club aims for a fee between €25 million and €30 million, but must weigh that against the risk of losing a young keeper who still plays a central role. If Villa finalises the deal, the question remains whether Atubolu will start immediately or remain a backup for Martinez.
How does Atubolu’s future look?
The player has stressed he will only move to a top‑flight side, not to a Championship club. Besides Villa, Juventus, AC Milan and Newcastle have shown interest, but those talks have cooled. Atubolu’s camp made it clear the project and playing time are decisive – money alone won’t sway him.
What do the fans expect?
For Freiburg supporters the potential sale brings mixed feelings: a financial windfall on one hand, and the loss of a young talent who featured in almost every match last season on the other. The coming weeks will reveal whether Villa puts the money on the table and convinces Atubolu to take the next step in his career.
