Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Nigerian teenager Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK in a deal reportedly worth around £21.5 million.
The move makes him one of the most exciting young Nigerian talents heading to England.
Here are 10 things to know about Zadok Yohanna.
1. He is only 18 years old
Yohanna was born on June 29, 2007, making him one of the youngest Nigerian players to secure a major Premier League move.
2. He hails from Bauchi State
The winger was born and raised in Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria before beginning his football journey at a young age.
3. He developed at Ikon Allah Academy
Before moving abroad, Yohanna came through the ranks of the Ikon Allah Football Academy, a talent factory that has produced several promising Nigerian players.
4. AIK signed him in 2025
The youngster joined AIK in Sweden in 2025 and quickly progressed from academy football to the first team.
5. He plays mainly as a right winger
A left-footed attacker, Yohanna is most effective on the right flank, where he cuts inside to create chances and score goals. He can also operate as an attacking midfielder.
6. He enjoyed a rapid breakthrough in Sweden
Despite limited senior experience, he registered five goals and four assists in 18 appearances for AIK, attracting attention from scouts across Europe.
7. Europe’s biggest clubs wanted him
Before Brighton won the race for his signature, clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig were reported to be monitoring him.
8. His transfer broke a Swedish record
Reports indicate Brighton paid a fee that could rise to about €30 million, making Yohanna the most expensive player ever sold by a Swedish club.
9. He has signed a long-term contract
The Nigerian youngster has reportedly signed a five-year deal that will keep him at Brighton until 2031.
10. Brighton see him as a future star
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has praised Yohanna’s pace, creativity and ability to impact games in the final third, suggesting the club views him as a player for both the present and the future.
