Super Eagles watch: How Nigeria can benefit as Aston Villa-linked Atubolu trains alone at Freiburg

Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has been told to train away from SC Freiburg’s first team as he decides his next destination this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 24-year-old was missing when Freiburg held their first open training session ahead of the new season in front of about 3,000 supporters. Instead of joining his teammates, Atubolu worked alone on a separate training pitch under the guidance of goalkeeping coach Michael Müller, as per BILD.

The decision follows a breakdown in talks between the player and the Bundesliga club. Atubolu has only one year left on his current contract, which expires in June 2027, after rejecting several offers to extend his stay over the past six months.

After playing a key role in Freiburg’s impressive campaign that ended with a place in the UEFA Europa League final, the goalkeeper informed the club that he wanted a new challenge at a bigger European side. The Premier League is believed to be his preferred destination.

Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. Photo by IMAGO

Freiburg have already prepared for life without him by signing 20-year-old goalkeeper Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen for a reported €12 million. Sporting director Jochen Saier has also confirmed that Atubolu has been given permission to leave this summer rather than risk losing him for free next year.

Although clubs such as Hull City, Real Sociedad and AC Milan have monitored his situation, none has submitted an offer that satisfies Freiburg. This has left the highly-rated goalkeeper in football limbo while he waits for his next move.

A move to the Premier League now appears to be the most likely outcome for Atubolu.

Reports in Germany claim Aston Villa have stepped up their interest and have already opened discussions over a possible transfer. Villa rates the German youth international highly, although the club would likely make a move only if World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez leaves and vacates the number one shirt.

Bournemouth have also shown serious interest as they search for a long-term goalkeeper. However, reports suggest Atubolu is not convinced by a move to the south coast because he wants to join a club capable of competing regularly in European competitions, especially the UEFA Champions League.

Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. Copyright: xMaciejxRogowskix IMAGO

Super Eagles door still open after Germany disappointment

Atubolu’s club future is uncertain while his international future also remains open.

Despite representing Germany at U17, U19, U20 and U21 levels, he has never played a competitive senior match for the four-time world champions. He was called up by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann for a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying window but remained an unused substitute, meaning FIFA rules still allow him to switch allegiance to Nigeria.

Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, Atubolu has long been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation. Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr first met the goalkeeper in 2019 as the federation began monitoring his progress.

Although Atubolu previously hoped to establish himself with Germany, his omission from the country’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reopened the conversation about a possible switch to the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie. Copyright: ImagoxKarpushevx

A move to England could see him establish stronger connection with the Super Eagles contingent in the Premier League, including Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka and several others. This could play a key role in convincing Atubolu to commit to Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

With Stanley Nwabali currently Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Atubolu could provide strong competition if the NFF decides to revive its interest.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is building for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup and Atubolu could target being their first-choice at the latter when Nwabali would be 34.