Freiburg Rejects Marseille’s Bid for Atubolu as Valuation Gap Widens
Olympique Marseille prepares revised proposal while other European clubs remain on the sidelines
SC Freiburg have formally rejected an initial transfer offer from Olympique Marseille for goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, according to reports from the German publication Kicker. The Bundesliga club determined that the French side’s opening bid was significantly below their expectations for the 24-year-old German international.
Despite the rejection, SC Freiburg remains open to negotiating a sale. The club has reportedly placed a valuation on Atubolu between €15 million and €20 million, reflecting his standing as a key squad member despite having only one year remaining on his current contract.
Marseille is now understood to be preparing a revised offer to bridge the gap between their initial submission and Freiburg’s stated valuation. The club’s willingness to return to the negotiating table indicates a sustained interest in securing the services of the German shot-stopper for their upcoming campaign.
While Marseille leads the pursuit, other European entities have been linked with the player. AFC Bournemouth, Napoli, and Juventus have all been associated with Atubolu in recent reporting, though none have yet submitted formal bids to the German club.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics of the current transfer window, where initial offers often serve as a starting point for negotiation rather than a final agreement. Freiburg’s firm stance on the price floor suggests they are prioritising a deal that aligns with their financial and sporting objectives before considering a departure for the goalkeeper.
