Frankfurt goalkeeper carousel keeps turning as Atubolu emerges as preferred option | OneFootball

Eintracht Frankfurt are pursuing a new number one after a 7-0 pre-season defeat to Brentford, with Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu emerging as their preferred solution. The churn evokes last summer’s upheaval and raises fresh questions over Kauã Santos and Michael Zetterer.

Atubolu is now open to staying in the Bundesliga. Kicker reported the 24-year-old could envisage joining Frankfurt, while Bild claims Eintracht are his favoured destination. Freiburg reportedly value him at around 15m, and one mooted route is an extension to 2028 then a loan to Frankfurt with an option that could turn into an obligation.

What happens with Zetterer may hinge on Atubolu. The Athletic reports Leeds United are working on a move for the 31-year-old, suggesting the clubs are approaching a basic agreement, with James Trafford already number one and Zetterer targeted as experienced back-up.

“We are very surprised by reports that Michael Zetterer is supposedly close to a transfer,” Pellatz told Sport Bild. “They do not correspond to the truth. Michael and his family feel very comfortable in Frankfurt. A transfer is currently not an option for him.”

Kicker wrote two days earlier that Zetterer had no intention of leaving and that a potential switch to Leeds was not an active subject.

Twelve months ago Zetterer insisted he was staying at Werder Bremen, then Kevin Trapp’s exit created an opening in Frankfurt and Zetterer arrived the next day. He was meant to bridge until Santos recovered, yet rotation persisted throughout the season.

This summer the new staff concluded neither existing option should be automatic first choice. Atubolu could finally settle the position, which might in turn open a door for Zetterer elsewhere.

Source: Get German Football News

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