RB Leipzig Signs Plateau State-Born Winger Suleman Sani on Long-Term Deal
By Adamu Abubakar Isa | Published: 13 January 2026

German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig has officially secured the signature of 19-year-old Nigerian winger Suleman Sani from Slovakian club AS Trenčín. The talented attacker, who hails from Jos in Plateau State, has signed a contract running until 30 June 2031 and will wear the number 18 jersey.

Sani, affectionately nicknamed “Maye” (The Magician) in his hometown, has experienced a meteoric rise in his young career. Just two years ago, he was struggling for regular playing time in Nigeria’s second division. His breakthrough came at Akwa United in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), where he scored 11 goals in 15 appearances and earned the 2024 Rookie of the Season award.

The winger’s development at the prestigious GBS Academy in Jos, the same academy that produced Super Eagles stars Ahmed Musa and Moses Simon, paved the way for his move to Europe.

RB Leipzig’s Managing Director for Sport, Marcel Schäfer, praised Sani’s potential, describing him as a “highly talented young winger” with an exciting skill set.

“Suleman mainly operates on the left, has plenty of pace, is difficult to knock off the ball thanks to his physicality, and likes to run in behind,” Schäfer said, adding that the signing is part of the club’s long-term development strategy.

Reacting to the move, Sani expressed excitement about joining a club renowned for nurturing young talent.

“Moving to RB Leipzig is a big step for me,” he said. “I’m especially impressed by the way the club develops young players, puts trust in them, and supports them in a targeted way.”

Sani, who has already played in the UEFA Youth League and represented Nigeria at the U-20 World Cup, will now aim to establish himself in the Bundesliga and continue his development on one of football’s biggest stages.