Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu joined Bundesliga rivals Eintracht Frankfurt on loan on Friday, with the Eagles having an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met.
The unusual deal followed media reports saying the Germany hopeful had extended his contract at Freiburg only to then leave and ensure his former side eventually receive a decent free. His existing contract had been due to run out in 2027.
Atubolu, 24, said in a statement: "I am very happy to be here and can hardly wait to get started at Eintracht Frankfurt. I know the city, the club and the stadium and have always experienced the matches here as something special. I am really looking forward to the new challenge."
He had told Freiburg at the start of the close season following the Europa League final defeat to Aston Villa that he wanted a new challenge, preferably in the Premier League.
But no offer from England materialized and Freiburg had already moved on and recruited Mio Backhaus from league rivals Werder Bremen as a successor.
Frankfurt suddenly needed a keeper after Kaua Santos and Michael Zetterer failed to convince in pre-season and the German Cup. Freiburg have now struck a hard bargain with their rivals, who seem almost certain to have to pay up given they have already said he will be their number one.
"What I can confirm is that this can be a model for a future solution," Freiburg coach Julian Schuster said on Thursday.
It is unclear if Atubolu will play for the Eagles in their Bundesliga season opener at Union Berlin on Saturday.
Freiburg, safely through to the Conference League proper after dispatching Motherwell on Thursday, host Bremen on Sunday.
Leave a Comment