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Brighton & Hove Albion have made one of the summer’s most eye-catching transfers, agreeing to sign 18-year-old Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from Swedish club AIK Stockholm in a deal worth £21.5 million.
The move, which breaks the outbound transfer record for a player leaving Sweden, underlines the Seagulls’ reputation as one of Europe’s best talent scouts.
Yohanna, who signed a five-year contract until June 2031, will officially join the club when the summer transfer window opens on June 15.
Brighton fended off huge interest from several top clubs, including Newcastle United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, to land the highly-rated teenager.
From Bauchi to Amex: a quick rise
Born on June 29, 2007 in Bauchi State, Nigeria, Yohanna is approximately 1.81 to 1.84 meters tall and primarily acts as a right winger.
He joined AIK from Nigeria’s Ikon Allah Football Academy in 2025 and wasted little time making his mark in the Allsvenskan.
His explosive pace, control, dribbling style and eye for goal quickly attracted attention in Sweden.
In limited appearances this season, the teenager has already contributed with goals and assists while displaying the type of direct attacking threat that fits perfectly into modern Premier League football.
His rapid rise even earned him a call-up to Nigeria’s senior team for the Unity Cup, although the club blocked his participation.
AIK fans and scouts have described him as one of the most exciting talents to emerge in the Swedish top flight in recent years, drawing comparisons to players who have used the Allsvenskan as a springboard to bigger stages.
Brighton Data-Driven Masterclass
The signing aligns perfectly with Brighton’s proven model of identifying and developing young talent before selling them for significant profits.
Under the guidance of coach Fabian Hürzeler, the club continues to invest in youth while maintaining a competitive advantage in the Premier League.
A statement from the club highlighted Yohanna’s “immense potential” and the excitement of integrating him into the team. Insiders suggest the Seagulls view him not only as a future star but as someone who could make an impact sooner rather than later, whether as an impact substitute or a wide rotational option.
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Yohanna himself has spoken emotionally about the move, with viral clips showing him sharing the news with his family.
“This is a dream come true,” sources close to the player were quoted as saying. The opportunity to join a club known for developing young players was a key factor in his decision.
“I’m very happy, I want to make my family proud.” 🫶 pic.twitter.com/NTGiYceNRG
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 6, 2026
What’s next for the Nigerian star?
Yohanna arrives at the Amex Stadium with very high expectations but also with a clear path.
Brighton’s track record with the likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Moisés Caicedo and Evan Ferguson suggests they know exactly how to polish diamonds in the rough into Premier League gems.
