Brighton & Hove Albion have secured the signing of highly rated Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from Swedish club AIK Stockholm in a deal worth £21.5 million, setting a new record for the highest transfer fee ever received by a Swedish club.
The 18-year-old attacker will officially join the Premier League side when the summer transfer window opens on June 15, 2026. Yohanna has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Amex Stadium until June 2031.
The move marks another major step in Brighton’s renowned youth recruitment strategy, with the Seagulls reportedly beating competition from several European clubs, including Chelsea and Newcastle United, to secure the teenager's signature.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler expressed his excitement over the acquisition, describing Yohanna as a dynamic winger with pace, creativity, and strong one-on-one ability.
“Zadok is a talented young player with enormous potential. He has shown great quality in Sweden, and we believe he has all the attributes needed to develop into a top Premier League player,” Hürzeler said.
Yohanna's rise to European football has been remarkable. Born in Bauchi State, Nigeria, he began his football journey at the Ikon Allah Football Academy in Kaduna before attracting interest from overseas scouts.
In 2025, he joined AIK Stockholm and quickly adapted to life in Sweden. Despite his young age, he became an important member of the first team, recording five goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.
His performances earned widespread attention and established him as one of the most promising young African talents currently playing in Europe.
Back home, the transfer has been widely celebrated by Nigerian football fans who view Yohanna as part of the next generation expected to strengthen the Super Eagles. He has already been integrated into the national team setup under head coach Eric Chelle and is regarded as a key prospect for Nigeria's future.
The move also highlights the growing pathway for Nigerian talents from local academies to elite European leagues. For Yohanna, the switch to Brighton represents not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to showcase his talent on one of football’s biggest stages.
With expectations high and development opportunities abundant at Brighton, supporters will be eager to see how quickly the young winger adapts to the demands of English football.