Nigerian teenage sensation Zadok Yohanna has completed a record-breaking move to English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth £21.5 million from Swedish club AIK Stockholm.
The transfer makes the 18-year-old winger the most expensive player ever sold from a Scandinavian league to one of Europe’s top leagues. He also becomes the most expensive Nigerian teenager in football history, surpassing the transfer fee that took John Obi Mikel from Lyn Oslo in Norway to Chelsea in 2006.
Born in Kaduna State, Yohanna only began his professional career and moved to Europe last year. His rapid rise has now earned him a place in one of the Premier League’s most admired clubs for developing young talents.
Brighton confirmed that the Nigerian youngster has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2031. The Seagulls reportedly beat competition from Newcastle United and Chelsea to secure his signature.
Brighton head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, expressed excitement about the arrival of the highly-rated winger, describing him as a player capable of making an immediate impact in attack.
“I’m looking forward to working with Zadok. Having seen his games and his attributes, he is a player that can impact games in the final third.
“He’s still young and will need time to adapt to the club and Premier League, but he’s an exciting player to watch and brings the kind of creativity our fans will enjoy.
“He’s dynamic, has pace and likes to take players on. His attributes and ability will be a real addition to our attacking options,” Hurzeler said.
Yohanna also spoke of his excitement at joining the Premier League, describing Brighton as the ideal environment for his growth due to the club’s strong reputation for nurturing young players.
The former Ikon Allah Academy star enjoyed an impressive spell with AIK Stockholm, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 18 appearances before attracting interest from several top European clubs.
His move represents another major milestone for Nigerian football and highlights the growing recognition of young talents emerging from the country.
For many football fans, Yohanna’s journey from Kaduna to the Premier League serves as an inspiring example of how determination, talent and opportunity can open doors to the highest level of the game.
