SC Freiburg have granted goalkeeper Noah Atubolu permission to leave the club this summer following the signing of Mio Backhaus from SV Werder Bremen, sporting director Jochen Saier has confirmed.
The move comes after months of negotiations regarding a contract extension for Atubolu, whose current deal runs until 2027, ultimately proving unsuccessful. Saier revealed to Kicker that Freiburg made “intensive efforts” to retain the 21-year-old, but informed him after the Europa League final that a transfer was likely.
Atubolu progressed through Freiburg’s academy and established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper over the past three seasons, earning praise for his development and maturity. His performances have attracted interest from clubs in the Premier League, Serie A, and across the Bundesliga, suggesting a competitive market for his signature. Saier acknowledged the club’s strong relationship with the player and highlighted his local roots, describing his rise as a “wonderful shared success story.”
Backhaus, the incoming replacement, arrives from Werder Bremen seeking an opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter. The signing suggests Freiburg are preparing for life without Atubolu and are keen to maintain a high level of goalkeeping quality within their squad. While no fee has been disclosed, Freiburg will likely seek a significant sum for a player who has become a key asset.
Saier expressed confidence that Atubolu will find a suitable club to continue his development, emphasizing the importance of the player’s future happiness. The transfer will allow Atubolu to test himself in a new environment, while Freiburg will benefit financially from his departure and have a ready-made replacement in Backhaus. This move signifies Freiburg’s commitment to both developing young talent and maintaining a financially sustainable model.
