Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from AIK Stockholm, with the teenager agreeing a five-year contract that will keep him at the Premier League club until June 2031.
The 18-year-old will officially join Brighton when the transfer window opens, subject to regulatory approval, after emerging as one of the standout young talents in Swedish football.
Yohanna arrives on the south coast following a rapid rise in Europe. After leaving Nigeria’s Ikon Allah Football Academy for AIK in 2025, he quickly established himself in Sweden’s top flight, contributing five goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this season.
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 6, 2026
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler believes the winger has the qualities to thrive in England.
“He’s dynamic, has pace and likes to take players on,” said Hurzeler. “He’s still young and will need time to adapt, but he’s an exciting player who can make an impact in the final third.”
Yohanna revealed Brighton’s reputation for developing young players was a key factor behind his decision.
“I watch a lot of Premier League football and Brighton are one of the clubs that trust young players,” he said. “They are really good at helping young talents improve, and I think their style of play suits me.”
The teenager admitted leaving AIK was an emotional decision after forming strong relationships during his time in Sweden, but believes the move represents the perfect next step in his career.
One new message… 📲 pic.twitter.com/Z5hMxpx3jj
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 6, 2026
He also disclosed that conversations with Hurzeler helped convince him to make the switch.
“He told me to keep working hard and fighting,” Yohanna added. “I will give everything for this team and I want to help the club win trophies.”
Brighton have built a strong reputation for identifying emerging talent before they break through at the highest level. The club previously helped develop players such as Moisés Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Kaoru Mitoma, and Yohanna will hope to follow a similar path as he begins his Premier League journey.
The move also represents another milestone for Nigerian football, with Yohanna becoming one of the country’s most exciting young exports and a player many believe could soon challenge for a place in the senior Super Eagles squad.
