Official | RB Leipzig sign Dutch U19 attacking talent Ayodele Thomas | OneFootball

RB Leipzig have officially confirmed the reported-on signing of Dutch teenage attacking talent Ayodele Thomas. Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze reports that Thomas’ Eredivisie PSV Eindhoven outfit has received a €400,000 transfer fee and a three-percent re-sale clause as part of the deal. Thomas’ new RB deal runs until 2031. 

Thomas’ signing took a back seat this morning so that Leipzig could announce the surprise arrival of Brighton attacker Brajan Gruda on loan. As expected, it has been revealed that Gruda’s loan out to the German Red Bulls does not contain a purchase option. Brighton have received a €1m loan fee as part of the temporary arrangement. 

Thomas is one of three new ‘foundational’ RB Leipzig additions

RB Leipzig hope for build for the future with 18-year-old Thomas, 19-year-old Suleiman Sani, and 20-year-old Abdoul Koné have all been procured with an eye towards the future. Thomas only featured for the PSV reserves this season. RB head coach Ole Werner has repeatedly stated that Sani will receive plenty of time to develop. Koné will only link up with RB after the season.

Statements on Ayodele Thomas’ signing

“Dele is a huge talent and a perfect fit for our playing philosophy,” RB sporting director Marcel Schäfer noted in a club statement. “He’s a quick, tricky and agile winger who is always looking to take players on. He also carries a real goal threat, likes to get shots away and can provide the decisive final ball. “We’re bringing Dele in now to give him the time he needs to settle in,” Schäfer continued. “We’re really pleased that he’s chosen RB Leipzig so we can develop him step by step and help him fulfill his outstanding potential.”

“I’m really happy to now be a part of RB Leipzig,” the player himself added. “RBL have shown time and again that the club backs young players, develops them in the best possible way and helps them become better. In the future, I want to show what I can do in the Bundesliga; one of the best leagues in the world.“

GGFN | Peter Weis