The search is on for a new first-choice goalkeeper at Galatasaray following the end of Fernando Muslera’s remarkable 14-year spell, and Noah Atubolu is one of the names on the Turkish champions’ five-man shortlist, Footynaija.com reports.
The 23-year-old with Nigerian heritage, who currently plays for SC Freiburg in the German Bundesliga, is eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents.
From multiple reports, it is believed that the young goalkeeper is on Eric Chelle’s long-term watchlist as Nigeria prepares for the future in goal.
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Born in Freiburg, Atubolu has played for Germany at youth level but is yet to make a senior appearance for the German national team, which leaves the door open for a potential switch to Nigeria.
He racked up 26 appearances for Freiburg, including 10 clean sheets in the 2024–25 Bundesliga season. His consistent performances have caught the attention of scouts from England, France, Italy, and now Turkey.
As revealed in a report by Haber Sarı Kırmızı, Galatasaray have shortlisted five names to replace Muslera. Alongside Atubolu are Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin, Trabzonspor’s Uğurcan Çakır, OGC Nice’s Marcin Bulka, and PAOK’s Dominik Kotarski.
Galatasaray’s interest comes after the club confirmed its desire to finalise the Muslera replacement quickly, with pre-season preparations set to begin soon.
While Lunin’s €25 million valuation may push Galatasaray away, and Uğurcan’s situation with Trabzonspor remains complicated, Atubolu is seen as a realistic and exciting target.
Freiburg may still resist any offer, especially as Atubolu is under contract until 2026, but the Turkish giants could test the waters with a formal approach.
