Noah Atubolu: Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper linked with Premier League move

Reigning UEFA Europa League Champions Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Nigeria-eligible German goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, Afrik Foot reports.

The 23-year-old broke out in the 2022/2023 season for SC Freiburg, making two Europa League appearances and one DFB Pokal appearance while Mark Flekken was in charge of domestic games.

The following year, Flekken joined Premier League side Brentford, and Atubolu became the number one between the sticks for Die Breisgau Brazilians.

Tottenham Hotspur eye Noah Atubolu

According to Team Talk, Spurs have a shortlist of five goalkeepers who could replace their starting goalkeeper, Gugliemo Vicario, who has been tipped to exit the London Stadium at the end of the season.

Inter Milan view Vicario as their primary target to replace the aged Yann Sommer, whose contract at the San Siro runs out in the Summer, and a return to his hometown appeals to the Spurs goalkeeper.

Vicario ruled out for at least a month as he will undergo hernia surgery next week, and young Kinsky, who made a mess of himself against Atletico Madrid last week, is expected to start in goal against Nottingham Forest tomorrow.

Atubolu has been Freiburg’s starting goalkeeper since the 2023/24 season, keeping 36 clean sheets in 112 games for the Bundesliga side, and his performances this term have put him in the conversation for a 2026 World Cup spot, especially with the top German goalkeepers struggling with injuries this season.

As per Bild, Atubolu is looking to leave Freiburg at the end of the season, targeting a move to the Premier League as he looks to take his career to the next level.

Tottenham are ready to battle the likes of West Ham, Napoli, AC Milan and Inter for his signature, despite the latter’s interest in Vicario.

Atubolu’s contract at the Europa Park Stadion expires next summer, and it’ll be best if the club sanctions the sale of the young goalkeeper after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He was born in Germany to a Nigerian father. He got his maiden call-up to the German national team late last year, but has yet to make a debut for Die Mannschaft.