Brighton Secure Nigerian Starlet Yohanna On 5-year Deal

Brighton & Hove Albion has officially announced the signing of promising Nigerian forward Zadok Yohanna from Swedish club AIK Stockholm, sealing the deal with a five-year contract that will keep him at the Amex Stadium until June 2031.

The club confirmed the transfer in a statement on Saturday, though the financial details remain undisclosed. The 18-year-old winger’s arrival follows a meteoric rise in European football, having joined AIK Stockholm in 2025 from Ikon Allah Academy in Kaduna. Within just two months, Yohanna ascended from the youth ranks to the senior team, showcasing his exceptional talent.

Interest in the young forward was fierce, with several top Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, vying for his signature before Brighton ultimately triumphed in the race to secure him.

Expressing his joy upon completing the move, Yohanna reflected on his journey: “I am very happy to join this club because I know where I came from. I really wanted to make my family proud. And I have done that.”

Regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects, Yohanna has also caught the eye of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. His transfer to Brighton marks a significant milestone in his remarkable journey from grassroots football in Nigeria to one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

Under Brighton’s renowned youth-focused development system, Yohanna aims to establish himself in the Premier League while aspiring for a place in the Nigerian national team.