Sani Suleman: Real reason Flying Eagles star left RB Leipzig for Al-Qadsiah

Flying Eagles star Sani Suleman has left RB Leipzig for Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, with his adviser Emmanuel Terngu revealing the real reason behind the Nigerian winger’s decision to leave Germany, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Nigeria U-20 winger completed a move to Al-Qadsiah on a three-year contract, with an option for an additional year, bringing an unhappy spell at Leipzig to an end.

Sani joined the German club from Slovak side AS Trenčín in January 2026 after impressing during his time in Slovakia, but his much-anticipated move to the Bundesliga side failed to produce the breakthrough he had hoped for.

Injury problems and intense competition for places meant the Nigerian never made a competitive appearance for Leipzig, while the club’s recruitment of several other attacking players made his route into the first team even more difficult.

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Why Sani Suleman left RB Leipzig

Speaking to Footy-Africa, Terngu explained that the decision was primarily about helping Sani recover from a difficult period and return to regular football.

“It’s not a bad move when you consider what he’s been through in the last eight or nine months,” Terngu said.

“Any footballer would have felt it, but the most important thing is to see him happy and playing again.”

The adviser revealed that Sani had attracted interest from other clubs, but his physical and mental need for stability ultimately influenced the decision to accept Al-Qadsiah’s offer.

“Other clubs were asking about him, but after an injury like that, he needs somewhere calm and settled that can help him get back to his best, and that’s what the Saudi club offered.”

The comments provide a clearer picture of why Sani opted for Saudi Arabia despite interest from clubs in Europe.

Al-Qadsiah move not the end of Europe dream

Sani’s move could be viewed as a major departure from the European pathway he appeared to be following after joining Leipzig, but Terngu insists the Nigerian’s long-term ambitions have not changed.

The adviser pointed to the quality of the Saudi Pro League, where Sani will have the opportunity to play alongside established international stars while rebuilding his confidence and fitness.

“The Saudi league is strong too as we have Cristiano Ronaldo and plenty of other stars there, both young and old,” Terngu said.

“Sani is young and has a lot ahead of him, but he needs to start playing regular first-team football again.”

Rather than remain at Leipzig and risk another season struggling for opportunities, the 20-year-old has the chance to establish himself at Al-Qadsiah and regain the momentum that saw him attract Leipzig’s attention in the first place.

Despite Sani’s departure from Germany, Terngu does not believe the move represents the end of the winger’s European ambitions.

The adviser remains confident that the fleet-footed winger can eventually return to Europe after rebuilding himself in Saudi Arabia.

“I have no doubt we’ll see him back in Europe eventually, but for now he’s going to wear the badge of Al-Qadsiah, who have shown faith in him,” Terngu added.

“The player is happy, the club is happy, and that’s all that matters,” he concluded.

Sani had interest from clubs in Belgium, France and the Czech Republic, but Leipzig could not reach an agreement over a transfer fee with some of the European suitors.

Al-Qadsiah eventually won the race, with the Saudi club paying a fee that could go up to €8 million for the Nigerian.