AFCON 2025
Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Nigerian winger Zodak Yohanna from Swedish side AIK in a deal worth €28 million plus €2 million in add-ons according to Transfermarket
The 18-year-old joins the Seagulls on a five-year contract after a remarkable rise that has seen him go from playing grassroots football in Nigeria to becoming one of the most expensive teenagers ever produced by the country. The transfer also sets a new record for AIK and is reported to be one of the biggest sales in Swedish league history.
Yohanna attracted interest from several European clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig before Brighton won the race for his signature.
As Nigerian football fans celebrate the latest youngster to reach the Premier League, here are three things to know about Zodak Yohanna.
1. He Was Playing Grassroots Football in Nigeria Not Long Ago
Unlike many young stars who come through elite academies in Europe, Yohanna’s journey began at Ikon Allah FA in Nigeria.
His talent earned him a move to Swedish giants AIK for a reported €750,000. Within a year, he had developed into one of the most sought-after young players in Europe, completing a transfer worth almost forty times the amount AIK paid for him.
2. His Breakthrough Season Came in 2025/26
Yohanna’s rise was fueled by a stunning breakthrough campaign in Sweden.
In just 12 appearances during the 2025/26 season, the right winger registered five goals and four assists while showcasing his pace, dribbling ability and direct attacking style. Those performances quickly caught the attention of scouts from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
3. He Is Already One of Nigeria’s Most Valuable Young Talents
At only 18 years old, Yohanna has already secured a move worth up to €30 million.
Standing at 1.84 metres tall, the right winger combines physical presence with explosive speed and technical quality. His rapid development has seen him emerge as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects, with many expecting him to challenge for a place in the Super Eagles in the near future.
From Ikon Allah FA to the Premier League in just a few years, Zodak Yohanna’s story is one of the most remarkable football rises Nigeria has produced in recent times.
