‘Stiff competition’ from Tottenham and Chelsea beaten – Over market value

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have shown keen interest in AS Trenčín’s Sani Suleiman.

That’s according to Bild, who report both Tottenham and Chelsea ‘wanted’ to bring the player to England. The Premier League duo are in for disappointment because of RB Leipzig pushing ahead for a deal. The report states the Bundesliga club ‘sign Nigerian superstar’.

On December 2nd, Hospodárske Noviny reported Tottenham and Rangers were in the mix to sign the winger. There was no mention of Chelsea.

Trenčín sporting director Andrej Žáčik had confirmed interest and indicated the 19-year-old could leave in the winter market.

Bild now report Tottenham, Chelsea, Sevilla and Anderlecht have all been keen on the Nigeria U20 international.

Thomas Frank’s side and the Blues were among clubs to have provided ‘stiff competition’ to the Bundesliga side to sign the youngster. RB Leipzig have managed to get ahead of Spurs, Liam Rosenior’s side and others to win the transfer race.

Suleiman joined the Slovakian side in July 2024. Since then, he played 40 matches and has scored five goals and contributed five assists.

Bild say: ‘His profile is highly compelling: He’s fast, agile, has excellent game intelligence, and a high work rate.’

Chelsea and Tottenham beaten with off-market offer

This would have attracted Tottenham and Chelsea, but Leipzig managed to get ahead of them. They have a good record of developing youngsters and tat has likely gone in their favour, as well as a good financial offer.

According to the report, the German club are paying €5m to Trenčín. The newspaper claim this is ‘much more than his market value’, which only increased to €1.2m recently.

Suleiman is expected to arrive at his new club before the end of January. Bild claim Leipzig’s plan is for him to become a ‘real asset’ from next season, as Antonio Nusa’s deputy on the left wing.