Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly decided to enter the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper following their disastrous pre-season finale against Brentford. Kicker reports that SC Freiburg keeper Noah Atubolu has emerged as the club’s preferred solution between the sticks. Frankfurt’s goalkeeping situation already generated considerable discussion throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
Brazilian keeper Kauã Santos was expected to succeed long-time No.1 Kevin Trapp, but a combination of injuries and costly errors prevented the 23-year-old from establishing himself. Michael Zetterer, signed from Werder Bremen last summer, similarly failed to make a lasting claim to the starting role. Saturday’s humiliating 7-0 friendly defeat away at Brentford has evidently prompted a rethink. Santos endured another difficult outing in England and kicker now reports that Eintracht have resolved to bring in a new No.1 before the transfer window closes.
Noah Atubolu emerges as Frankfurt’s preferred solution
Atubolu is described as Frankfurt’s “Wunschlösung” (“preferred solution”) for the position. The 24-year-old remains under contract with Freiburg through 2027, but has been expected to depart the Breisgau club since Mio Backhaus arrived as his prospective successor earlier this summer. The Freiburg academy product had previously appeared destined for a move abroad. The Premier League in particular has long been considered Atubolu’s preferred destination.
Get German Football Newsreported last month on Atubolu’s potential Premier League options, with Aston Villa and Bournemouth among the clubs linked with the German youth international. FussballTransfers additionally reports that Italian clubs have maintained interest in the keeper. A move to Frankfurt would therefore represent a somewhat surprising opportunity for Atubolu to remain in the Bundesliga.
Any prospective deal remains at a very early stage. Kicker nevertheless suggests that the situation could develop quickly during the coming week as Frankfurt seek to address one of the most obvious weak points exposed by their heavy Brentford defeat. The potential move would also represent a significant statement from Frankfurt. Bringing Atubolu to Hessen would amount to a clear attempt to settle a position that has remained unsettled since Trapp’s departure.
Frankfurt planning further transfer business
Goalkeeper is not the only position Frankfurt intend to strengthen before the September 1 deadline. Kicker’s assessment of the current squad following the Brentford defeat was particularly severe, with the publication arguing that Frankfurt presently lack the quality required to challenge for European qualification.
The summer has already seen Nathaniel Brown, Rasmus Kristensen, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Aurele Amenda depart. Several incoming players have meanwhile required time to settle. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika has yet to make the desired impact during pre-season, while Noel Aseko has not featured because of persistent knee problems.
Questions also remain throughout the defensive line. Young centre-back Otavio still requires development and match fitness, while captain Robin Koch made a costly mistake in Brentford before leaving the friendly with a minor concussion. Arthur Theate also struggled during the second half of the heavy defeat.
Frankfurt’s young full-backs provide further uncertainty. Keita Kosugi remains inexperienced at Bundesliga level, while Elias Baum will also be asked to make a considerable step up if entrusted with a regular role. The result in Brentford has even placed Adi Hütter’s preferred 4-2-2-2 under scrutiny.
Several departures could also facilitate late business. Elye Wahi remains a candidate for another loan to Nice, Farès Chaïbi has been linked with Crystal Palace, and Michy Batshuayi is reportedly close to joining Saudi outfit Al-Shabab. Ellyes Skhiri is also a candidate for a move to Cologne.
Zetterer may meanwhile have an opportunity to move to England. The 30-year-old’s future would naturally become even more uncertain should Frankfurt succeed in securing Atubolu as Hütter’s new No.1.
Krösche therefore faces an important final stretch of the summer window. Atubolu would solve one increasingly urgent problem, but Frankfurt’s pre-season finale made clear that the work required to strengthen Hütter’s squad extends well beyond the goalkeeping position.