GistReel
Nigeria U-20 winger Sani Suleiman is on the verge of completing a move to the Bundesliga, with RB Leipzig set to secure his signature ahead of several European suitors.
The 19-year-old Flying Eagles star is expected to join the growing list of Nigerian players in Germany’s top flight, alongside the likes of Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Jordan Torunarigha and Felix Agu.
Leipzig win transfer race
Suleiman had attracted interest from multiple clubs, including Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers and Bayer Leverkusen. However, RB Leipzig have moved decisively to conclude the deal.
According to reports from Footy Africa, Leipzig have reached an agreement with Slovakian club AS Trenčín after personal terms with the player were already settled.
The winger is currently in Germany to undergo a medical, with the transfer expected to be worth around €6.5 million.
If all remaining details are finalised, an official announcement is anticipated before the end of the week.
Rapid rise from NPFL to Europe
Suleiman’s rise has been quick and strategic. Less than two years ago, he was featuring in the Nigeria Professional Football League with Akwa United, where his performances earned him the Rookie of the Season award.
Those displays prompted a move to AS Trenčín, where he signed a two-year contract and continued his development.
His progress in Slovakia, combined with his exploits at youth international level, has now positioned him for a major step up to the Bundesliga.
Historic context and wider implications
Should the move be completed, Suleiman would become only the second Nigerian to sign for RB Leipzig, following Ademola Lookman’s short loan spell from Everton in 2018.
Leipzig are understood to have beaten off strong competition to land the winger, underlining their long-term belief in his potential. Brentford, for instance, reportedly had two bids rejected by Trenčín before turning their attention elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Leipzig’s recruitment activity is also drawing attention to other emerging talents. Their setup has been linked to increased interest in Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, one of the standout performers at AFCON 2025.
For Suleiman, the move represents a significant career milestone and another indicator of the growing Nigerian footprint in Germany’s elite division.