Freiburg reject Marseille bid for Super Eagles-eligible Atubolu

Freiburg have rejected an opening offer from Marseille for goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. The German club value the 24-year-old at between €15 million and €20 million and believe the French side’s first proposal did not meet that figure.

Atubolu has attracted interest during the summer, with Premier League club AFC Bournemouth and Serie A teams Napoli and Juventus also linked with the Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper. However, none of those clubs had made a formal offer when Marseille’s bid was turned down.

Freiburg remain in a strong position because Atubolu’s contract runs until June 2027. The Bundesliga club are willing to consider a sale, but they are not prepared to lower their valuation at this stage. They could also keep him for another season, although a shorter contract would potentially reduce his value in a future transfer window.

Napoli are viewed as one of the most serious alternatives to Marseille. The Italian club are considering Atubolu as a long-term option in goal, while representatives for the goalkeeper have held discussions in Italy with both Napoli and Juventus.

The rejected bid gives Marseille the chance to improve their offer before another interested club makes a formal move. The French side are expected to return with a higher proposal as they try to agree a deal with Freiburg.

Atubolu’s Nigerian descent makes him eligible for the Super Eagles, while his current club’s asking price has established the central issue in the negotiations. Freiburg must decide whether the immediate value of a sale outweighs keeping the goalkeeper for another season, whereas Marseille face the prospect of paying more to secure him before rival interest develops into formal offers.