Aston Villa are already close to signing Johan Manzambi and could be looking to swoop in for a second SC Freiburg talent in the coming weeks.
The Villains are rejuvenated after losing Youri Tielemans and want to ensure they have a replacement in case Emiliano Martinez pursues the Belgian.
Players like Zion Suzuki have emerged as options in recent weeks, but it is Noah Atbolu who could arrive to provide immediate reinforcement for Unai Emery.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | Aston Villa are receiving public backing to sign Atubor. Freiburg’s sporting director Jochen Sayer has confirmed that the goalkeeper will leave the club after failing to extend his contract, which expires in 2027. |
finances | It remains to be seen how much the German club will demand, but the ball is not necessarily in their court. With one year left on his contract and club leaders already clear of his plans to leave, Atubor could leave for a bargain price this summer. |
insight | The goaltender was Freiburg’s No. 1 last season, making 102 total saves while maintaining a solid save percentage of 64.2%. Certainly, for the right price, Aston Villa could do far worse than the 24-year-old heading into next season. |
impact | If Martinez wants to leave, Atubor’s arrival will be good news. The South American has been linked with Juventus all summer and could open the door for him to leave if Villa welcome his replacement in advance. |
Atubor is certainly a player to keep an eye on, as Villa are eyeing an immediate reunion with shot-stopper and Freiburg teammate Manzambi.
Aston Villa give green light to sign Atubor
Sport Witness reports that Freiburg’s sporting director Jochen Seyer has publicly given the green light for Atubor to leave amid reports that Aston Villa are interested and the shot-stopper is already in talks to leave the club.
“It’s no secret that we have been working on a contract extension for some time. Communication has always been open and it is completely justified that Noah has decided to go his separate ways. Noah is in negotiations with other clubs, but we are confident that we will part ways on very good terms.” – Saiel
This would be a huge boost for Villa and they would be wise to swoop in and snap up what could soon become a bargain deal.
Atubol could ease Martinez’s fears at Aston Villa
Aston Villa were wise to plan ahead of Tielemans’ departure and would be wise to repeat that plan ahead of Martinez’s potential departure.
The Argentine star has been on the radar of Juventus all summer and has caused a lot of fear in the Midlands, but Atubor could instantly allay those feelings.
25/26 | martinez | Atubolo |
|---|---|---|
game | 32 | 34 |
keep | 95 | 102 |
clean sheet | 7 | 6 |
save rate | 70.9% | 64.2% |
Pass accuracy | 73.7% | 67% |
Atubol still needs to improve in possession, but his shot-stopping is close to Martinez’s level and should improve if he reaches his full potential over the next few years. At the right price, Villa should secure his signature.
