SC Freiburg appears to have secured the services of a Bundesliga rising star. However, his arrival seemingly signals a painful departure for another key player.
According to reports from Bild during the Europa League final on Wednesday evening, goalkeeper Mio Backhaus is set to join the Breisgau team for a remarkable €15 million, plus an additional three million euros in potential bonus payments. This would make it the most significant transfer fee ever paid by Freiburg for a player, surpassing the previous record held by Ritsu Doan, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven for €10.4 million in 2022.
Backhaus had an outstanding debut season as the number one for Werder Bremen, shining as one of the few bright spots for the Hanseatic team, which was long threatened by relegation. The 22-year-old, who progressed through all of Werder’s youth ranks, is seen as the logical successor to Noah Atubolu, who is now very likely to leave Sport-Club in the summer. Backhaus had already replaced Atubolu as the starting goalkeeper for the German U21 national team.
Meanwhile, it remains uncertain who will succeed Backhaus in Werder’s goal. Initially, Bremen is expected to exercise the purchase option for backup goalkeeper Karl Hein, transferring three million euros to FC Arsenal. However, a new dynamic might emerge in the goalkeeping situation at Weser. Coach Daniel Thioune is reportedly considering bringing in his former captain, Florian Kastenmeier. The goalkeeper is free to leave Fortuna after their shocking relegation to the 3. Liga.
SC Freiburg is reportedly seeking at least €20 million for Noah Atubolu.
Atubolu has reportedly attracted interest from several Premier League clubs and is seeking a move to England’s top flight. The asking price for the 23-year-old is said to be around €20 million, with his contract running until 2027.
Several English clubs, including Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, were also reportedly interested in Backhaus. However, the Europa League finalist, who will participate in European competition next season regardless of the outcome of their final against Aston Villa (which they lost 0-3), has secured his signature.
Thanks to a strong 4-1 victory on the final matchday against RB Leipzig, Freiburg secured their place in the Conference League. In addition to their sensational Europa League final appearance, Freiburg also reached the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal, where they dramatically lost in extra time to VfB Stuttgart.