By Stephen Simon
Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion have moved a step closer to signing highly-rated Nigerian teenager Zadok Yohanna after reportedly reaching an agreement on personal terms with the 18-year-old winger, while negotiations with his Swedish club continue.
According to reports from Sky Sports Germany, Brighton have agreed the framework of a contract with the Nigerian youngster and are now working to finalise a transfer fee with AIK Fotboll.
Sources close to the deal told SCORENigeria that discussions have progressed significantly and that the transfer could be concluded within days.
The development represents a major breakthrough in what has become one of the most talked-about transfer sagas involving a Nigerian player this summer.
Brighton have emerged as frontrunners ahead of several top European clubs that have monitored Yohanna’s rapid rise in Swedish football.
German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, previously considered one of the strongest contenders for the player’s signature, have reportedly withdrawn from the race after concluding that the financial demands surrounding the deal had become too high.
The teenager’s stock has risen dramatically following an impressive breakthrough campaign with AIK Fotboll.
Since arriving in Sweden from Nigerian academy side Ikon Allah FA in 2025, Yohanna has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in Scandinavian football.
Reports in Sweden indicate that Brighton are preparing a package worth between €22 million and €23 million, a figure that could make Yohanna the most expensive player ever sold by a Swedish club if the transaction is completed.
AIK have publicly confirmed that negotiations are ongoing regarding the possible sale of the winger. Club officials disclosed that the proposed deal would generate a significant financial windfall for the Swedish side and rank among the biggest transfers in the history of the country’s top flight.
Yohanna’s performances have attracted interest from several elite clubs across Europe, including Chelsea FC, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Real Madrid. However, Brighton’s reputation for identifying and developing young talents is believed to have strengthened their position in the race.
The winger enjoyed a remarkable first half of the season before an injury briefly interrupted his progress. Despite his limited senior experience, he contributed important goals and assists that helped AIK maintain their strong domestic campaign while attracting scouts from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Should the move be completed, Yohanna would become one of the latest Nigerian youngsters to secure a high-profile move to the Premier League and further evidence of Nigeria’s growing influence in world football. With negotiations now at an advanced stage and personal terms reportedly agreed, the teenager appears poised to take the biggest step of his career as Brighton edge closer to completing one of the most exciting transfers involving a Nigerian player this year.
