Soccer
AIK’s Zadok Yohanna. Copyright: ImagoxJESPERxZERMAN
Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna has explained his decision to join Brighton & Hove Albion from AIK ahead of other suitors, Soccernet.ng reports.
The highly rated youngster has completed a move to the Premier League club on a five-year deal, which could keep him at the Amex Stadium until 2031. The Seagulls beat competition from several top clubs, including Newcastle United, Chelsea, Manchester City, and RB Leipzig, to secure his signature.
Yohanna was one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe after impressive performances for AIK in 2026, where he scored five goals and provided four assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Newcastle United had emerged as frontrunners for his signature and were close to an agreement at one stage, while interest from Chelsea and Manchester City also threatened to derail Brighton’s pursuit.
Soccer Zadok Yohanna explains decision behind Brighton’s move
Nigerian teenage sensation Zadok Yohanna has enjoyed a remarkable rise in his career after moving from Ikon Allah Academy in Nigeria to AIK in 2025 and has now agreed a move to one of the most competitive football leagues in the world.
Brighton eventually won the race for his signature after agreeing a €30 million deal with AIK, which is structured as a €28 million fixed fee and €2 million in performance-related add-ons.
The transfer makes Yohanna the most expensive player ever sold by a Swedish club, surpassing the €20 million Tottenham Hotspur paid Djurgården for Lucas Bergvall in 2024. It is also AIK’s record sale, eclipsing the €8.6 million Borussia Dortmund paid for Alexander Isak in 2017.
In his first interview as a Brighton player, Yohanna mentioned the club’s strong record of developing young players as a major reason behind his decision to join.
“Development. The way they develop players”, the Nigerian youngster said, via Brighton’s official YouTube channel.
“I watch Premier League games a lot. I know the team that uses young players, and Brighton is one of them. They are really good at developing young talents.”
The 18-year-old, who plays primarily as a left-footed right winger, also highlighted Brighton’s playing style as another factor, which will enable him thrive in the league.
“Their style of play. I think it will fit me a lot — the way they play.”
Soccer First conversation with Fabian Hürzeler
Yohanna will now work with Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler following his move to the club and will be hoping to make a big impact under the young German manager.
“He told me to keep my head up and keep fighting, and to work hard as well.”
Soccer Target as a Brighton player
Zadok Yohanna has now become Brighton’s first addition of the summer transfer window and will officially complete his move to the club once the window opens on June 15.
The 18-year-old also expressed delight and has set a clear target to help the club achieve silverware in the coming seasons.
“I’m really happy. I know where I came from, and I want to make my family proud.
“I will give everything I have, and I really want to win trophies with the team”, he added.
Yohanna has now become the sixth Nigerian to move to Brighton, joining the increasing list of Nigerians in the Premier League as he now prepares for the next step in his career.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.
Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin
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