RB Leipzig plan to promote Nigeria U20 winger Suleiman Sani as Yan Diomande successor

RB Leipzig have decided against signing a direct replacement for Real Madrid-bound Yan Diomande and instead intend to elevate Nigeria U20 winger Suleiman Sani into the Ivorian’s role next season.

The Bundesliga club are preparing for Diomande’s expected switch to Real Madrid, with the Spanish side currently finalising the remaining details of what is described as a record transfer for the player.

Against that backdrop, club officials at RB Leipzig have informed Sani that he is viewed internally as Diomande’s successor for the coming campaign, rather than the German side turning to the transfer market.

The 20-year-old, who impressed for Nigeria at the U20 World Cup, joined Leipzig in the January transfer window from Slovakian club AS Trencin. His arrival was seen as one for the future, but his progress has accelerated in recent weeks as Leipzig prepare for life after Diomande.

Injury-delayed debut

Sani’s start to life in Germany was disrupted almost immediately after his move, when a knock sustained in training prevented him from making his competitive debut in the second half of last season.

That setback meant the winger had to wait until Leipzig’s end-of-season tour of South Africa to pull on the club’s colours for the first time, finally making his debut during that trip.

Club staff used the tour to integrate Sani into the squad and assess his readiness for a bigger role, with those performances helping to shape the decision not to seek an external replacement for Diomande.

Pre-season opportunity

Back in Germany for pre-season, Sani has been involved throughout Leipzig’s warm-up schedule as he looks to cement his place in the first-team set-up.

The Nigeria youth international has featured in all of RB Leipzig’s pre-season fixtures so far, underlining the club’s determination to give him substantial minutes ahead of the new campaign.

Two days ago he came off the bench as a second-half substitute in Leipzig’s 1-0 victory over fellow German side Ingolstadt, further evidence of the trust being placed in him as he builds fitness and sharpens his match rhythm.

The club’s approach indicates a clear plan: allow Diomande’s move to Real Madrid to proceed while handing Sani the chance to grow into the vacancy left in the attacking positions, rather than reshaping the squad through another major signing.

This strategy underlines Leipzig’s continued willingness to back young talent and reflects the belief within the hierarchy that Sani can develop into a key option following his progression from AS Trencin and the Nigeria U20 side.