As earlier reported by Footy-Africa, Nigerian starlet Sani Suleman has joined Bundesliga side RB Leipzig from Czech club AS Trenčín.
Footy-Africa’s source at Golden Boy Soccer Academy (GBS), where Suleman began his football journey, has said they are not surprised by his meteoric rise which has seen Leipzig sign the youngster for €5 million which could potentially rise to €6 with bonuses.
“Sani’s move is not a surprise to us at all. I have known for a long time that he is destined for the very top not just because of his talent, but also his work ethic,” the source exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“From his time with us at GBS, he has always done well for himself and his family. His mother and siblings are very excited about the deal and have been extremely supportive of him. This deal has been in the works for some time, and the interest from RB Leipzig prevailed over other clubs in Germany, including Eintracht Frankfurt, and Belgium’s KAA Gent.
Sani Suleiman on the way to Germany for RB Leipzig medical, deal agreed
“I must give kudos to Coach Bros Ahmed Ibrahim, our CEO, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the deal went through. Everyone at the academy is ecstatic. I’m not sure we have been this excited since Moses Simon’s move to Gent in 2015. We are extremely happy for him and wish him all the best,” the source concluded.
Sani Suleman made 12 appearances for AS Trenčín this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists, performances that ultimately paved the way for his move to Germany.
The 19-year-old’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Barely two years ago, Sani was deemed not good enough for Wikki Tourists in Nigeria’s second tier. However, Nigeria Premier Football League side Akwa United took a gamble on the youngster – a decision that has since paid off handsomely.
Sani joined the Uyo-based club in the second half of the season and made an instant impact, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in 15 matches.
His performances earned him a place in Nigeria’s U-20 squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile in 2025, where his quality caught the attention of several European scouts.
Brentford frustrated as Trenčín reject further bid for Sani Suleiman
A product of the renowned Golden Boy Soccer Academy in Jos, an academy that has produced stars such as Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, and Kingsley Madu, Sani has now secured a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues.
