Noah Atubolu: Hull City eye move for Freiburg’s Germany-Nigeria goalkeeper

Hull City are weighing up a move for Germany-Nigeria goalkeeper Noah Atubolu from Freiburg as they look to strengthen ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The 24-year-old, who wears the No 1 shirt for the Bundesliga side, has been linked with a switch to England with the likelihood of a deal currently rated at around one-in-three.

Atubolu is under contract with Freiburg until 30 June 2027, meaning Hull would need to negotiate a fee rather than explore a free transfer. The Freiburg-born goalkeeper is currently valued at about €25 million, a figure which is expected to form the basis of any discussions between the clubs.

A product of Freiburg’s youth system, Atubolu has progressed through every level of the club since first joining their academy as a teenager, stepping up to the first team in 2021. He has since established himself in the senior set-up and was part of the side that reached the German Cup final in the 2021-22 season, finishing as runners-up.

Internationally, Atubolu has ties to both Germany and Nigeria and was recognised in 2023 with the Fritz Walter Bronze Medal, an award handed to standout young German talents. His recent performances in goal for Freiburg have increased interest from abroad, with Hull now emerging as a potential destination.

With two years remaining on his deal and Freiburg in a strong contractual position, any agreement is likely to depend on Hull’s willingness to meet the Bundesliga club’s valuation and the player’s readiness to leave his hometown side for a first move abroad.