Ayodele Thomas: Who is RB Leipzig's new teenage sensation?
RB Leipzig's busy winter transfer window has seen them add exciting young winger Ayodele Thomas to their ranks, but who is the former PSV Eindhoven wide man?
Data correct as of 2 February 2026
Ayodele Thomas
Age: 18 (born 23 July 2007)
Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Winger
Country: Netherlands (7 caps/2 goals at U19 level)
Key stats
Thomas started his footballing journey at hometown club Almere City, before joining Feyenoord’s youth ranks soon after in 2020, aged 12.
He spent three years at the Rotterdam club, becoming a Dutch international at U15 level during that time. His star continued to rise, and he joined PSV’s U17 side in January of the 2023/24 season.
The tricky winger continued his climb through the club’s ranks, joining up with their U21 side last season. They currently sit sixth in the Dutch second tier, with Thomas having contributed three goals and six assists in 18 games before departing for the Bundesliga.
Plays a bit like: Karim Adeyemi
Quick, agile, direct and capable of playing as a touchline winger or as a second striker, Thomas has plenty in common with the Borussia Dortmund star.
Did you know?
As well as playing alongside ex-Leipzig man Xavi Simons’ cousin, Saviola, for the Netherlands' U15s, Thomas has lined up in the same team as Liam van Nistelrooy, whose Dad Ruud played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Hamburg.
What they’re saying
"Dele is a great talent who fits perfectly with our playing philosophy: He’s a fast, skillful, and agile winger who always seeks out one-on-one situations. He also shows a good eye for goal, likes to shoot, and often provides crucial assists." - Leipzig’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schäfer
"I want to make the most of this opportunity, train hard, help the team and, in the future, show what I can do in the Bundesliga – one of the best leagues in the world. I’m ready, and I want to give everything on the pitch. Thanks to everyone who made this move possible." - Thomas after completing his move to Leipzig
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