RB Leipzig consider loan move for Nigerian-born teenager Ayodele Thomas

Six months after signing Ayodele Thomas, RB Leipzig are reportedly open to sending the 19-year-old winger out on loan so he can gain regular first-team football.

The situation around Thomas changed quickly at the end of the 2026 winter transfer window, when the Germany club completed a move for the attacker from Eindhoven. RB Leipzig paid an initial fee for the transfer, with the total amount potentially rising to several hundred thousand euros.

However, a temporary departure is now being considered. According to Sky Sports Deutschland, RB Leipzig would be willing to listen to loan proposals for Thomas, with the main aim of giving him the playing time that has not yet been available in Leipzig.

Thomas is understood not to want to leave the club permanently or immediately seek a new challenge elsewhere. Even so, he would reportedly be prepared to consider a loan if an attractive offer were to arrive.

The teenager has yet to make his senior debut for RB Leipzig. He has, however, been training with the club’s first-team squad, giving him the opportunity to work alongside the senior players while he waits for his chance in competitive football.

Before joining PSV, Thomas spent time in the Feyenoord academy. PSV were keen to keep the Nigerian-born player at Eindhoven, but he decided to leave when the opportunity to move to RB Leipzig emerged.

His contract situation at Eindhoven was a key factor in the timing of the transfer, with Thomas approaching the end of his deal there. RB Leipzig subsequently secured his services during the winter window, but the club may now view a loan spell as the best way to support his development.

A move away would allow Thomas to play more consistently and continue his progression at senior level, while keeping his long-term future with RB Leipzig open. The club’s reported position reflects the need to balance his development with the competition for places within its first-team squad.

For now, it remains unclear whether any clubs have made concrete approaches for the winger. No interested destination has been identified, and there is no indication yet that a loan agreement is close.

Thomas therefore remains an RB Leipzig player and continues to train with the senior group. The next stage of his development could depend on whether a suitable proposal arrives before the transfer window closes.