After three years as SC Freiburg's number one and a regular presence around the fringes of the German national team, the 24-year-old felt ready for the next step in his career, having established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most reliable young goalkeepers.
A move to Premier League side Newcastle United fell through, however, leaving Atubolu searching for an alternative route forward.
According to Sport Bild, an escape route has now presented itself, even if it leads to a less glamorous destination than originally hoped.
The report states that the move could still take the young goalkeeper to England, albeit with newly-promoted Hull City rather than a member of the established top flight.
Hull have made enquiries with Freiburg over the Under-21 international goalkeeper, and are said to be considering a move for his signature.
Freiburg's situation has been complicated by their decision to sign Mio Backhaus, 22, from Werder Bremen as an expensive replacement, leaving Atubolu in a difficult position at his parent club.
Backhaus arrives as the new first-choice option between the posts, with the club reportedly viewing the German Under-21 international as a long-term solution to the position regardless of how the Atubolu situation resolves itself.
His contract in Freiburg runs until 2027, but the club's plans no longer involve him as their first-choice option between the posts.
Finding a sporting upgrade elsewhere currently looks difficult given the level of interest that has materialised so far.
Atubolu had also been linked with Aston Villa and Liverpool earlier in the window, though neither club has advanced talks to a concrete stage, leaving Hull as the most tangible option currently on the table.
Newcastle's interest had appeared to be the most concrete path to England, but the Magpies have since turned their attention elsewhere in the goalkeeper market.
Atubolu was told by Freiburg that he would not feature for the club again after their run to the Europa League final ended in defeat, leaving him in limbo as he waits to see how his situation develops over the remainder of the window.
That run to the final had represented the high point of Atubolu's career at Freiburg, with his performances in the competition earning widespread praise before the dispute over a new contract soured his standing at the club.
Hull's interest, while a more modest proposition than the Premier League move he had once envisioned, would at least offer Atubolu a path to regular first-team football in England this season, something that currently looks far from guaranteed should he remain in Germany.