AC Milan and Spanish La Liga side Villarreal have stepped up their interest in Nigerian winger Sani Suleiman by sending scouts to watch him in action, Footy-Africa has exclusively learned.
Suleiman has emerged as one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe following a series of impressive performances since arriving in Slovakia.
The 18-year-old AS Trenčín winger has already been linked with several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Tottenham and Brentford. Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen and Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven are also reported to be monitoring his progress, while an unnamed Major League Soccer side is believed to have shown interest.
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A source close to the player exclusively confirmed Footy-Africa that Milan and Villarreal are the latest clubs to join the race for his signature.
The source said both clubs sent scouts to Slovakia at the weekend to watch Suleiman against Prešov. The teenager impressed throughout and completed the full 90 minutes, further strengthening their interest.
⏱️ | 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝑻𝑰𝑴𝑬
The final home match of the year ends in a goalless draw#astrencin #fulltime #nasaliga #nikeliga pic.twitter.com/wK4CUxzqp3
— AS Trenčín (@astrencin) December 7, 2025
However, no formal bids have been submitted, although Suleiman is widely expected to be the subject of offers in the January transfer window.
“I’m not surprised with the interest, Sani is a good talent and a player with his quality is rare. He has an eye for goals and can open up defense with his passes and speed. He’s a modern winger. His club will decide what they want because he has a contract with them, but I think he could move on January and I think it’s going to be a good deal. The scouts were in the stadium on Sunday” the source exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Suleiman is expected to be sold in January, with AS Trenčín aiming to secure the best outcome for both the club and the player. He has just eight months remaining on his current contract, and although Trenčín hold an option to extend, they are likely to cash in.
Suleiman represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
