Goalkeeper who ‘plays a bit like’ Manuel Neuer might leave Bundesliga club, handing Tottenham a boost

Tottenham Hotspur’s goalkeeping overhaul could receive a timely lift as SC Freiburg’s highly-rated No. 1 Noah Atubolu is weighing up a summer departure, with the Premier League believed to be his preferred destination. The 23-year-old, described by German outlet Bild as a keeper who “plays a bit like” Bayern Munich and Germany icon Manuel Neuer, has signalled his readiness to leave his boyhood club at the end of the season to accelerate his development on a bigger stage.

Atubolu has been Freiburg’s first-choice since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, registering 36 clean sheets in 111 competitive appearances. Renowned for penalty-saving prowess and cat-like reflexes, the 6ft 3in German has enhanced his reputation this season and is eyeing involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That ambition, coupled with a desire to test himself abroad, has put several top European clubs on red alert.

Tottenham, West Ham, Napoli, AC Milan and Inter Milan have all been credited with an interest, but Spurs’ need is arguably the most pressing. Guglielmo Vicario, signed from Empoli in 2023, has failed to convince between the sticks and is actively pushing for a return to Italy amid the persistent instability at the north-London club. Inter Milan have already explored a loan-plus-option structure for the 29-year-old, and former Italy international Walter Zenga has publicly endorsed the move.

Beyond Vicario, back-up keeper Antonin Kinsky is also seeking regular football elsewhere, leaving Tottenham’s goalkeeping cupboard bare ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Securing Atubolu would represent a significant upgrade for a side currently hovering just one point above the Premier League relegation zone, although survival remains a prerequisite if Spurs hope to entice the former Germany Under-21 international to N17.

With Atubolu set to spark a summer scramble, Tottenham’s hierarchy view the Freiburg star as a long-term solution capable of growing into one of the world’s elite keepers under the right guidance. Whether they can beat rival suitors to his signature may hinge as much on league status as on financial muscle.