Yohanna: 6-time Premier League winners join race for Super Eagles invitee wanted by Newcastle

Nigeria and AIK star Zadok Yohanna. Copyright: JESPERxZERMANxIMAGO

Zadok Yohanna has surprisingly found himself at the centre of a bidding battle as three top Premier League clubs have now shown serious interest in signing the Nigerian youngsters, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chelsea have become the latest EPL side to show interest in Yohanna, after joining Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion in the growing race for the AIK winger.

The teenager has enjoyed a rapid rise since leaving Nigerian academy side Ikon Allah FA for Swedish giants AIK last year. His performances in the Allsvenskan have placed suitors on high alert, with several English clubs now tracking his progress ahead of the summer transfer window.

Yohanna has been one of the bright spots in AIK’s campaign, scoring five goals and providing four assists despite the club’s mixed results during the opening months of the season. His pace, direct running and ability to play both on the right wing and through the middle have made him an attractive prospect for Premier League scouts.

According to transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea have now entered the battle for the Nigerian’s signature. The London club are looking to strengthen their pool of young talent and view Yohanna as a player with significant long-term potential.

Their arrival in the race adds another heavyweight contender to an already crowded field, with Newcastle and Brighton having monitored the youngster for several months.

Soccer Yohanna: Brighton lead, Newcastle push, Chelsea enter the picture

While Chelsea’s interest is the latest development, Brighton are believed to have made the most progress so far.

The south-coast club reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Yohanna’s representatives and have been in discussions with AIK over a possible transfer. Brighton have built a reputation for identifying young talents before they reach the top level, and Yohanna appears to fit that model.

Newcastle, however, are not giving up. Reports suggest the Magpies have submitted an improved offer in an attempt to overtake Brighton and secure the deal. Their proposal is currently believed to be the strongest on the table.

Chelsea’s entry could yet change the picture. The six-time English champions have invested heavily in young players in recent years and are expected to make their case to the Nigerian before a final decision is reached.

At the moment, no agreement has been completed with AIK. Yohanna remains under contract with the Swedish club until December 2029, but with interest growing from across the Premier League, a summer move appears increasingly likely.

Imhonlamhen

Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.