Napoli vs Marseille: Italian giants enter race for €15m Super Eagles target

SSC Napoli have joined Juventus and Olympique Marseille in the race to sign SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who is German-born and of Nigerian descent, has become a highly-rated young goalkeeper after a number of excellent displays in Germany. Freiburg are willing to sell him for around €15 million, giving Napoli a chance to land a player who could become an important part of their plans for the coming seasons.

Atubolu's contract with Freiburg runs until June 2027, but the German club have already prepared for his possible departure by signing goalkeeper Mio Backhaus from Werder Bremen for €12 million.

That move has made Freiburg more comfortable about allowing Atubolu to leave this summer rather than keeping him for another season and potentially losing him for a lower fee later.

Napoli enter a crowded transfer race

Napoli are now pushing strongly for Atubolu, with the Italian club interested in making him part of their long-term goalkeeping plans. Juventus are also involved and see the Freiburg goalkeeper as a strong alternative option, while Marseille remain in the race.

Atubolu's representatives have travelled to Italy for direct talks with Napoli and Juventus, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport via EuropaCalcio. The meetings could become important as the goalkeeper decides where the next stage of his career should take him.

Napoli's interest comes at a time when the club are looking to build a squad capable of competing at the top of Serie A and in European competition. A goalkeeper with Atubolu's age, athletic ability and Bundesliga experience would fit a long-term recruitment plan rather than simply being a short-term signing.

The goalkeeper's preference has also changed during the summer. Atubolu initially wanted to move to the Premier League, but the English market did not produce the offer he expected.

Newly promoted Hull City and Coventry City made approaches, but neither option convinced him. Bigger Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, had also been linked with his situation without turning that interest into a firm offer acceptable to Freiburg.

That has opened the door for Serie A. Atubolu is now understood to be much more open to moving to Italy, making Napoli and Juventus serious destinations. Marseille are still trying to stay in the race, while Inter Milan have also explored the possibility of a longer-term agreement.

The transfer could therefore develop into a battle between several major European clubs, with Freiburg's €15m asking price giving interested teams a clear figure to work around.

Atubolu's situation is also important beyond club football. His next move could have a direct effect on the international battle between Germany and Nigeria.

Born in Germany to parents of Igbo descent, Atubolu is eligible to represent the Super Eagles. He has already progressed through Germany's youth teams and has received senior call-ups as an injury replacement under coach Julian Nagelsmann.

However, he has yet to play a competitive senior match for Germany. That means Nigeria still have an opportunity to convince him to choose the Super Eagles. A move to a club such as Napoli, Juventus or Marseille could increase his profile and give him a bigger stage to prove himself.