Eintracht Frankfurt have signed a new goalkeeper in Noah Atubolu. The 24-year-old joins on loan from SC Freiburg for the 2024/25 season, the Bundesliga club announced on Tuesday. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent if certain conditions are met.
This signing comes as Eintracht Frankfurt prepare for the new campaign after finishing the 2025 season in seventh place in the Bundesliga with 42 points from 29 games. Their record was 11 wins, 9 draws, and 9 losses, with 54 goals scored and 54 conceded. Their next competitive fixture is at home against FC Augsburg, currently 10th in the table, on 6 September 2026.
Who is the new goalkeeper?
Noah Atubolu is a familiar name in German football. The keeper spent eleven years at SC Freiburg, having joined their academy in 2015. He became their first-choice goalkeeper at the start of the 2023/24 season. In total, he made 125 competitive appearances for Freiburg, keeping 38 clean sheets. His penalty-saving ability is particularly notable. Atubolu holds the Bundesliga record for most consecutive penalty saves. His ongoing streak of five stops makes him one of the league's most feared penalty-killers.
He has gathered international experience primarily at youth level, earning 32 caps for various German youth national teams. In October 2023, then-national coach Julian Nagelsmann called him up to the senior squad for two FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, though he did not feature. In European competition, Atubolu was a mainstay for Freiburg. He played every minute of their last 25 UEFA Europa League matches and started in the final against Aston Villa in May 2024.
What do those involved say?
Markus Krösche, Eintracht Frankfurt's board member for sport, expressed his confidence in the signing. "With Noah Atubolu, we are gaining a strong, ambitious, and already very experienced goalkeeper. He brings great potential," said Krösche. The player himself was positive about the move. "I'm very happy to be here and can't wait to get started at Eintracht Frankfurt." Atubolu stated.
How does he fit into the current squad?
Under head coach Adi Hütter, Eintracht Frankfurt add another option in goal with Atubolu. The team started the season with a clear 11-0 victory in the first round of the DFB Cup against Tönis. Their first Bundesliga match of the season is away to Union Berlin on Saturday. The club's long-term squad planning can be followed on our squad page. Integrating a new goalkeeper is always a significant process requiring patience. Atubolu's experience, especially in international matches and high-pressure situations like penalties, is seen as a major asset.
What does this mean for the upcoming fixtures?
The signing strengthens Eintracht Frankfurt's defence, which had an even goal difference last season, conceding 54 times. The team finished the 2025 campaign 34 points behind champions Bayern Munich. The focus is now on a strong start to the season. After the away game in Berlin comes the aforementioned home match against Augsburg. You can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. The current table situation and further statistics are available on the standings overview. Atubolu's arrival is intended to provide the team with the necessary stability at the back to pursue their ambitious goals for the new season.
