Sani takes part in his first training session at RBL | OneFootball

Fresh from his first game at the Red Bull Arena on the weekend – albeit only as a spectator – new signing Suleman Sani joined his teammates for his first training session on Tuesday. 

Read on to learn more about what made him choose Leipzig and who has helped him settle in to the team. 

Several options, but an easy decision: "Really wanted to come here"

Several top clubs in Europe were interested in securing the services of Suleman Sani, but the youngster knew soon after meeting with RBL's managing director for sport Marcel Schäfer and head coach Ole Werner that Leipzig would be the right place for him. "That's true, there were several options but RB Leipzig were the best choice for me. I really wanted to come here," the 19-year-old told the media on Tuesday. 

For Sani, the club's philosophy were the deciding factor in his decision. "RB Leipzig are a great club and are know for giving young players a chance, in addition to helping them develop. It didn't take long for me to make a decision after I learned that the club were interested in me."

Special connection to Benny Henrichs

The attacker has been part of the Red Bulls for exactly a week now, but he's already feeling right at home. "The atmosphere, the players – everything at the club has made a great impression so far. Everything is very positive and I'm already enjoying being here." 

An important point of contact within the team for Sani is Benjamin Henrichs. "Benny and I have a good relationship to one another," he shared. "His roots are in Ghana and mine are in Nigeria, which makes things easier. He's helped me be able to settle in quickly here." 

"I love to watch him play"

"I'm fast and would describe myself as an explosive winger. I can also play with both feet and can finish with both my left and right foot," our new number 18 shared when asked about his strengths as a player. His preferred position is on the left wing. 

Sani's footballing role model is "prime" Eden Hazard from his days at Chelsea. The youngster is also impressed with what he's seen from his new teammates. "Yan Diomande is a great player and someone that you can learn from. His physicality, his pace – those are definitely things to take as an example. We're two different players and are on our own paths, but I love to watch him play and am looking forward to getting to train together with him." 

Ready and willing to learn

Werner met with Sani prior to his move. "We spoke for a while, and our talks were very open and honest. He told me that I shouldn't put myself under any pressure and that I would have the time I need to get to know a new formation, a new team and a new league," Sani shared. 

Sani is now hoping to use his pace, technical ability and two-footedness to help strengthen RBL's attack. First and foremost, the new signing is ready to "Listen, learn, work hard and get to know a new playing philosophy. The rest is up to the future." 

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