Tottenham are set to battle it out for a young teenage winger who is known for his dribbling.
AC Milan and Villarreal have joined Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in pursuing a highly-rated Nigerian winger. Scouts from Milan and Villarreal watched AS Trencin’s latest match against Presov in the Slovakian top flight, continuing their close monitoring of the 19-year-old talent who ranks sixth globally for successful dribbles and progressive carries.
The player in question is Sani Suleiman. He has become one of the most followed young players in Europe. Chelsea, Tottenham, Rangers, and Bayer Leverkusen have tracked him for months, with Milan and Villarreal entering the race in recent weeks. The admiration extends beyond the top five leagues, with strong interest from Middlesbrough, who see him as a possible reinforcement for their Premier League promotion push.
His performances at the Under-20 World Cup first caught widespread attention. Nigeria crashed out in the round of 16 against Argentina, but Suleiman impressed observers from major clubs who attended the tournament. Tottenham were among the first to make their move, submitting an enquiry on October 10 amid rival interest from Rangers.
The teenager’s inclusion in the CIES Football Observatory’s list of top Under-20 talents worldwide validates the attention. Suleiman ranks sixth globally for successful dribbles and progressive carries across 66 leagues, just behind elite stars like Lamine Yamal. These numbers place him among the most exciting young attackers in European football.
His ability to beat defenders and carry the ball forward addresses specific needs for clubs seeking creative wide players. Tottenham need attacking reinforcements with James Maddison sidelined by an ACL injury and Dejan Kulusevski also out. Chelsea continues their strategy of signing promising young talents for development purposes.
January Move Expected For Tottenham Target Sani Suleiman Despite Contract Situation
Suleiman remains under contract with Trencin until June 2026, with a two-year extension option that could keep him at the club until 2028. However, unless something unexpected happens, he is widely expected to leave Slovakia in January to make the jump to a top league.
Trencin are believed to be assessing multiple proposals while keeping potential destinations confidential. The overwhelming demand has forced the Slovakian side to consider a mid-season sale despite originally planning to offer him a new deal. The club views him as an asset but recognizes the financial opportunity presented by the growing interest.
Chelsea followed Tottenham by launching an enquiry of their own on October 22, setting up a potential transfer battle between the London rivals. Both clubs need quality on the flanks and view the 19-year-old as an ideal acquisition for their respective systems.
Suleiman’s camp is believed to favor a move where his pathway to first-team development remains clear. Several clubs are positioning themselves to offer him regular senior football rather than simply a high-profile badge. This could work against Chelsea and Tottenham, who might struggle to guarantee immediate playing time given their squad depths.
The Nigerian has shown versatility at Trencin, operating as a winger, deep-lying playmaker, or dynamic box-to-box presence. His maturity in possession and ability to progress play through tight defensive shapes have impressed scouts across Europe. With such elite dribbling numbers and so many clubs involved, Suleiman is shaping up to be one of the most exciting names of the upcoming transfer window.
