Noah Atubolu had imagined the situation differently. While his teammates prepared for the new season in the Alps, he trained alone at SC Freiburg's facility. The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who requested a transfer a year ago, is still without a new club. SC Freiburg finished last season in 7th place with 47 points (13W-8D-13L), but Atubolu's future remains uncertain.
Why did Atubolu misjudge the market situation?
The goalkeeper market is not as expected. SC Freiburg's sporting director Klemens Hartenbach admitted that the market dynamics were underestimated. Atubolu is not the only one struggling: Marc-André ter Stegen is waiting for a loan move, Stefan Ortega surprisingly joined Olympiakos Piraeus. The market for top goalkeepers is complex.
Why is the goalkeeper market stagnant?
A major reason lies in the Premier League. Markus Krösche of Eintracht Frankfurt explained that English clubs must sell before they can buy. Only when the English market becomes active does money flow into other leagues. An example: James Trafford is moving from Man City to Leeds United for over €40 million – an absurdly high price for a backup keeper.
What does this mean for SC Freiburg?
Atubolu's future is uncertain. SC Freiburg, which finished last season in 7th place with 51 goals scored and 57 conceded, must focus on preparation. The goalkeeper market remains difficult, and a quick resolution is not in sight.
