Aston Villa are stepping up their interest in Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu as Unai Emery considers further changes between the posts. Bournemouth are also pushing to sign the Germany international, who could cost up to €30million.
TEAMtalk reports that Villa have made contact over Atubolu, with discussions said to be intensifying. The 24-year-old wants to move to the Premier League after deciding against extending his Freiburg contract.
Freiburg are prepared to sanction his departure after signing Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen. Atubolu has also been left out of the club’s pre-season trip while his representatives discuss a potential move to England.
Villa and Bournemouth appear to be the leading contenders. Atubolu has reportedly rejected approaches from Hull City and Coventry City because he prefers a move to a more established Premier League club.
Aston Villa face Bournemouth competition for Noah Atubolu
Atubolu is valued between €25million and €30million. His Freiburg contract expires in 2027, which leaves the Bundesliga side under pressure to sell rather than risk losing him for a reduced fee next summer.
Villa’s interest raises further questions over Emiliano Martínez’s long-term position. The Argentina international remains an important player for Emery, but Juventus have explored a move during the summer window.
Aston Villa have refused to lower their asking price for Martínez, while Atubolu has been identified as one of several possible alternatives. Villa could also view the German as strong competition rather than an immediate replacement.
Atubolu has been Freiburg’s first-choice goalkeeper since the 2022/23 season. He also helped the club reach last season’s Europa League final, where they faced Villa.
The goalkeeper reportedly hopes to finalise his future before the end of July. Villa can offer Champions League football, but Bournemouth’s interest means they may need to move quickly to secure an agreement.
