Transfer: Brentford table bid for Nigeria’s most creative U21 star – report

Brentford is set to battle Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Bundesliga's Bayer Leverkusen among other clubs for the signature of Flying Eagles star…

Brentford have submitted a formal bid for Nigerian teenager Sani Suleiman as they step up their attempts to sign the AS Trenčín midfielder, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The 19-year-old has become one of Europe’s most sought-after U21 talents following a breakout year in Slovakia and a standout showing for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles.

His impressive performance have placed him firmly on the radar of several elite clubs across England, Germany and beyond.

Brentford make the first move for Suleiman

According to Footy Africa, negotiations reveal that Brentford’s opening offer has not yet been accepted, with the bid falling short of Trenčín’s valuation.

Talks between both clubs remain ongoing, however, and the Premier League side are expected to return with an improved proposal.

The Bees have been tracking Suleiman for months and have previously strengthened their Nigerian contingent with the signing of 1/category/news” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Benjamin Fredrick, who has also featured for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Suleiman has been monitored closely by Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen this season. AC Milan and Villarreal are also understood to have sent scouts to observe the playmaker in recent weeks.

Suleiman eyeing England move as clubs circle

The teenager is believed to be open to a move to England, although he is not restricting his options to Brentford alone.

His rise has been accelerated by new data from the CIES Football Observatory, which ranked Suleiman the most creative U21 player outside the big leagues in November based on penetrative passes in the final third.

Most last third penetrative passes* per 90′, U2⃣1⃣s in 5⃣0⃣ top divisions (@impect_official)
#SaniSuleiman & #ElianCaicedo 2.52
#CreichelPerez 2.27#Ruoppi #FernandezPardo #Lekoueiry #Warneryd #Balde #Diakite #Coulanges
* Leaving ≤3… pic.twitter.com/4lKVtZgHGQ

— CIES Football Obs (@CIES_Football) October 27, 2025

Suleiman averaged 2.52 last-third breaking passes per 90 minutes—joint highest in the world and ahead of several players from top European academies.

Trenčín were originally prepared to offer the former Akwa United starlet a new contract, but heavy interest across Europe has shifted their stance. The Slovak club are now open to negotiating a January sale, with a two-year option potentially activated to protect his valuation during talks.

Should Suleiman complete a move to the Premier League, it is understood he may be loaned out to continue his development and secure regular top-flight minutes.