EPL: Brighton splash £21.5m on Nigerian wonderkid Yohanna

Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed a £21.5 million deal to sign highly-rated Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK Stockholm, marking another remarkable rise for a young African talent on the global stage.

The 18-year-old, who only left Nigeria less than a year ago, is set to sign a five-year contract with the Seagulls when the summer transfer window officially opens on June 15.

Yohanna’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From honing his skills at Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria to becoming one of Sweden’s most exciting young prospects, the teenager’s rapid development has now earned him a move to the English Premier League.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler described the youngster as a game-changing talent capable of making an immediate impact in attack.

“Having watched his performances, we believe Zadok possesses the creativity and attacking qualities that can influence matches in the final third. He is still young and will need time to settle into the demands of the Premier League, but he is an exciting prospect,” Hurzeler said.

Since making his AIK debut in August 2025, Yohanna has registered five goals and four assists in 18 appearances, attracting interest from several European clubs before Brighton won the race for his signature.

The move represents a significant milestone for the Nigerian youngster, whose rise from a local academy to one of Europe’s most competitive leagues is expected to inspire a new generation of football talents back home.