SC Freiburg kicks off pre-season preparations – Atubolu trains separately

The focus of attention was goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, who trained individually rather than with the squad. The 24-year-old, whose contract in Freiburg runs until 2027, publicly announced his desire to leave back in April. With four goalkeepers in the squad – Atubolu, new signing Mio Backhaus, and two other keepers – Freiburg are still working on a timely transfer. Atubolu's market value had risen to a record high of 25 million euros at the end of the season, but no buyer had been found as of yet.

Sporting director Jochen Saier expressed confidence at the press talk marking the start of training. "Bei ihm könnte es mit einem Wechsel noch etwas dauern", said Saier, but they had "eine klare Kommunikation untereinander" and were "zuversichtlich" that Noah Atubolu would find a new club soon. A transfer fee of 60 million euros is being discussed. Saier also looked ahead: "Der Transfer könnte jetzt schnell über die Bühne gehen", the SC sporting director said at the press talk during the training kick-off.

New faces in high temperatures

Alongside Atubolu, several new faces attracted attention. Mio Backhaus, the 22-year-old new goalkeeper, was present. Backhaus had been signed from Werder Bremen for a reported 12 million euros. Japanese new signing Rihito Yamamoto, a 24-year-old midfielder who joined from Belgian top-flight side St. Truiden, also trained with the team for the first time. His fellow new signing and compatriot Keisuke Goto (21) from RSC Anderlecht was not yet present. One new signing helped out as a translator at the training kick-off.

Also back in action for the Sport-Club were Eren Dinkci, who had been loaned out to 1. FC Heidenheim in the second half of last season, as well as Berkay Yilmaz, who returned from 1. FC Nürnberg. Karl Steinmann and Rouven Tarnutzer were promoted from the U23 into first-team training. According to the club, Tarnutzer was SC Freiburg's most recent signing.

The five World Cup players not yet present

The national team players who were involved in the World Cup were not yet part of pre-season preparations. The five World Cup players will only join the squad on July 20. This meant that key performers, who are to be reintegrated into the team over the coming weeks, were also absent from the training kick-off.

Manzambi set for move to England

Meanwhile, Johan Manzambi's future remains open. It is highly doubtful whether the 20-year-old World Cup shooting star, who had caused a stir at the World Cup, will ever turn out for the Sport-Club again. A move to England appears possible, though the club did not provide any concrete details.

Farewell appearance for the pitch

The training kick-off also marked a farewell appearance for the sun-drenched pitch at the Europa-Park Stadion. The surface on which Schuster and his team trained that morning is slated for redevelopment or redesign. The roughly 3,000 SC fans in the main stand sought out shaded spots wherever possible and were provided with sunscreen by stewards in the front rows.

Looking at the transfer market in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga, a busy summer is shaping up for Freiburg. Alongside the efforts to facilitate an Atubolu transfer, further personnel decisions are pending. SC Freiburg's squad currently numbers 30 players.

Julian Schuster, who oversees the team as head coach, was at the center of the sporting leadership at the training kick-off. The new season marks his continued task of preparing the team for the challenges ahead. With the training kick-off, SC Freiburg enters the phase of intensive pre-season preparations for the new campaign.

The mood at the training kick-off was marked by anticipation for the new season. The fans, who had made their way to the stadium despite the high temperatures, experienced a first training session featuring new faces and familiar figures. Those in charge at Freiburg expressed satisfaction with the start.

With the training kick-off, SC Freiburg begins the hot phase of pre-season preparations. In the coming weeks, the players will build their fitness and rehearse tactical routines. The return of the World Cup players on July 20 will further strengthen the squad.

Overall, the training kick-off offered an initial impression of SC Freiburg's plans for the new season. With new players such as Backhaus, Yamamoto, and Goto, as well as the returning Dinkci and Yilmaz, the club aims to remain competitive. Atubolu's future remains the most intriguing personnel matter.

SC Freiburg are launching their summer preparations with a mix of continuity and change. While some established players could leave the club, new signings have been integrated. The coming weeks will show how the team takes shape under Schuster.