Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen edge ahead of Tottenham in pursuit of AS Trenčín’s highly-rated Nigerian winger Sani Suleiman ahead of January deadline.

Sani Suleiman

The January transfer window is heating up for one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects, as RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen have surged into the lead for Sani Suleiman, the dynamic Nigerian winger currently starring for AS Trenčín in Slovakia.

According to respected TEAMtalk transfer journalist Rudy Galetti, the Bundesliga duo have made strong progress in negotiations, outpacing renewed interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Galetti reports:

“RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen have strongly entered the race and are making progress in talks for Sani Suleiman. Tottenham have reignited their interest in the Nigerian, but German clubs are ahead.”

Brentford have reportedly stepped back after seeing an initial bid rejected, though AS Trenčín remain open to a January sale. The Slovak club are taking their time, fully aware of the mounting competition for one of their prized assets. Galetti adds that clubs from Belgium and Italy are also seriously involved, making Suleiman’s departure this month “almost certain” barring major surprises.

Suleiman’s profile has skyrocketed thanks to eye-catching stats and performances. The CIES Football Observatory ranked him sixth globally among U-20 talents for completed dribbles and progressive carries across 66 leagues — trailing only elite names like Lamine Yamal. In October, he topped the list as the most creative U-21 player worldwide, averaging 2.52 last-third penetrative passes per 90 minutes in 50 top divisions.

His rapid rise started in Nigeria with Akwa United, where the then-17-year-old earned 2024 NPFL Rookie of the Season honors after scoring 11 goals and providing 5 assists in just 15 league matches. He then impressed for Nigeria’s U-20 Flying Eagles at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, showcasing composure and vision despite the team’s round-of-16 exit.

Since joining AS Trenčín in September 2024, the left winger has become a key creative hub, blending intelligence on the ball with explosive energy, penetration from wide areas, and midfield dynamism. He has made over 30 appearances, contributing 5 goals and assists while adapting seamlessly to European football.

AS Trenčín hold an option to extend his contract (currently until June 2026) by two more years, but with offers pouring in and his market value estimated around €6m, the club appears poised to cash in during this window.

Interest has been long-standing from big names like Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers, AC Milan, and Villarreal, but the current frontrunners — Leipzig and Leverkusen — are known for excellent youth development, making them attractive destinations for the 19-year-old.