RB Leipzig have secured the signing of highly rated Nigerian winger Suleman Sani, completing a long-term move that underlines the club’s commitment to elite youth development.
The Bundesliga side beat competition from several English and Spanish clubs to land one of Africa’s most exciting young attackers.
RB Leipzig Secure Suleman Sani for the Long Term
RB Leipzig confirmed that Suleman Sani has joined from Slovakian top-flight club AS Trenčín on a permanent transfer.
The 19-year-old has signed a contract running until June 30, 2031, and will wear the number 18 shirt.
The deal is reported to be worth €7 million, reflecting Leipzig’s belief in the winger’s long-term potential.
The move fits the club’s established strategy of identifying young talent early and developing them at the highest level of European football.
Sani, a right-footed wide attacker born on September 1, 2006, only moved to Europe in September 2024 from Nigerian side Akwa United. Since then, he has made rapid progress, gaining valuable experience in senior football with AS Trenčín.
Suleman Sani’s Rise and Eden Hazard’s Inspiration
During his time in Slovakia, Sani made 59 competitive appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists.
He also featured in the UEFA Youth League, performances that helped raise his profile across Europe.
On the international stage, the winger has been a standout performer for Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles.
At the 2025 U20 World Cup, he emerged as one of the tournament’s most influential players, impressing with his creativity, work rate, and decision-making in attack.
Sani’s mentality has drawn particular praise. Seven Man of the Match awards in just 19 games. Interestingly, he cites former Chelsea star Eden Hazard as his football idol.
RB Leipzig’s Managing Director of Sport, Marcel Schäfer, described the signing as a major success.
He emphasised that the club will give the young winger time to adapt to the Bundesliga while supporting his development closely.
For Sani, the move represents a major milestone. He expressed pride in joining RB Leipzig, praising the club’s reputation for developing young players.
“The move to RB Leipzig is a big step for me and makes me very proud,” Suleman Sani said. “I am looking forward to learning every day in this highly professional environment, developing further, and giving everything for the team. The style of football played here suits me very well. I can hardly wait to make my first appearance in the RB Leipzig jersey.”