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By Lawrence Agbo
Kaduna-born winger Zadok Yohanna has become the most expensive Nigerian teenager in football history after completing a £21.5 million move to Premier League (EPL) side Brighton & Hove Albion from Swedish outfit AIK Stockholm.
The 18-year-old secured a five-year contract that will keep him at the Amex Stadium until 2031, capping a remarkable rise from grassroots football in Kaduna to one of the biggest transfers involving a Nigerian youngster.
Yohanna’s switch also sets a new record for the highest transfer fee paid for a player moving directly from a Scandinavian league to one of Europe’s top competitions.
The deal eclipses previous marks and underlines the growing reputation of the Nigerian forward, who attracted attention with a string of impressive performances in Sweden.
Reports indicate that Brighton beat off competition from fellow Premier League clubs Chelsea and Newcastle United to secure the teenager’s signature.
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Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler described Yohanna as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe, praising his pace, creativity and ability to influence games in the final third.
“I’m looking forward to working with Zadok. Having seen his games and his attributes, he is a player that can impact games in the final third.
“He’s still young, and will need time to adapt to the club and Premier League, but he’s an exciting player to watch and he brings the kind of creativity we know our fans will enjoy.
“He’s dynamic, has pace and likes to take players on. His attributes and ability will be a real addition to our attacking options.”
Yohanna is expected to link up with Brighton’s first-team squad ahead of the new Premier League season as he begins the next chapter of his career in England.
