Suleiman Sani set for Leipzig as potential replacement for Timo Werner

With the January transfer window now in full swing, it appears Leipzig are on the verge of completing the signing of Nigeria Under 20s international Suleiman Sani.

A reported fee of £6million has been agreed between Sani’s current employers, Trenčín, and the Bundesliga outfit for a transfer that could be completed over the next few days.

In anticipation of the latest arrival at the Red Bull Arena, we have taken a look at why he will be brought to the club. 

Will it be one in and one out of the Red Bull Arena?

With striker Timo Werner being heavily linked with a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), manager Ole Werner has taken the Bull by the horns and apparently signed the cover for the German. 

With the San Jose Earthquakes apparently at the front of the queue for Werner’s signature, Sani’s potential impending arrival could be compensation for the loss to the German outfit’s frontline.

So what are Leipzig going to get if they do secure Sani’s signing for a forward line that has already been depleted as recently as this summer after star-striker Benjamin Sesko agreed to join Manchester United in a £73.65million deal.

What Sani could offer European-chasing Leipzig?

Despite not hitting the heights of celebrating with his teammates this season, with Trenčín the lowest scorers in the Slovak Super Liga with 14 goals, Leipzig shouldn’t be concerned. 

Scoring 17 goals across 63 professional appearances is impressive to say the least for a player who is still maturing on and off the pitch at the tender age of just 19. 

Werner’s side also looks to be getting an entity that has participated at a FIFA World Cup, as recently as October last year. While it might not be the same as playing in the global spectacle that will dawn upon Canada, Mexico, and the United States in June, it was still a World Cup after all. 

Three matches at the Under 20s World Cup saw Sani play in all three of his nation’s matches, and that translated into one assist in the 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia. 

Potential concerns over Sani are premature paper talk

As mentioned, his domestic form in Slovakia this season raises slight concerns, but he is not even 20 years old, which still makes him a very attractive proposal. Just take a quick look at the fact that he was named the Nigerian Premier League Rookie of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign. 

That helped his previous employers, Akwa United, survive being relegated. Having already been linked with a number of clubs, including Villarreal, Anderlecht, and Brentford, Leipzig certainly appears to be at the front of the queue for Sani’s signature. 

Another factor that has certainly caught the attention of not just those clubs, but others, is the winger’s versatility. Predominantly plying his trade on the left wing, Sani can also play on the right, if ultimately required to do so. 

With forwards always looking to add to their skill-set, not only to impress their manager, but also prospective employers, the Nigerians’ interchangeability should certainly impress Werner.