Zadok Yohanna: Super Eagles invitee reveals why he chose Brighton over Chelsea, Newcastle

Brighton & Hove Albion’s new Nigerian signing Zadok Yohanna has explained why he chose the Seagulls ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United following his record-breaking move from Swedish side AIK Stockholm, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 18-year-old winger completed a transfer worth an initial €28 million (£21.5 million), with a further €2 million available in performance-related bonuses. The deal could rise to €30 million and has become the biggest sale in the history of Sweden’s Allsvenskan league, surpassing the previous record set by Lucas Bergvall’s move from Djurgården to Tottenham.

Yohanna signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Brighton until June 2031 after successfully completing his medical on Saturday. The transfer will officially be registered when the Premier League summer window opens on June 15.

The Nigerian youngster arrives in England after an impressive start to the 2026 Swedish season, where he scored two goals and provided three assists in 10 league appearances for AIK. His explosive pace, ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations and creative passing attracted attention from several top European clubs.

Despite strong interest from Chelsea, Newcastle United and German club RB Leipzig, Yohanna said Brighton’s reputation for helping young players reach their potential convinced him to make the move to the south coast.

“I watch Premier League games a lot, so I know the teams that use young players, and Brighton is one of them,” Yohanna said. “They are really good at developing young talents, and I think their style of play will fit me a lot.”

The teenager also admitted that saying goodbye to AIK was emotional after spending an important period of his development in Sweden.

“I had a lot of good people around me who took care of me. Everyone loved me, so it was difficult to leave.”

Zadok Yohanna: Brighton won fierce transfer battle

Yohanna’s took a few surprising turns over the last few days. Newcastle United and Chelsea both attempted late interventions during the final days of negotiations in an effort to hijack Brighton’s agreement with AIK.

Newcastle had monitored the winger for several months and responded to Brighton’s early verbal agreement by submitting an improved offer worth around €24 million plus add-ons. The Magpies reportedly sold the youngster a vision of immediate first-team opportunities at St James’ Park, while AIK were prepared to accept the improved valuation.

Chelsea then entered the race and matched the valuation as they sought to add another elite teenage prospect to their growing collection of young talents.

Faced with mounting competition, Brighton reacted decisively. The club increased its proposal to a guaranteed €28 million fee, plus a further €2 million in bonuses, ultimately securing the player’s signature.

Yohanna revealed that conversations with Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler also played a major role in his decision.

“He urged me to keep fighting and working hard. I will give everything I have and I really want to win trophies with the team.”

Brighton also convinced AIK that they offered the most suitable environment for the winger’s long-term growth. The club’s track record of developing emerging stars ultimately proved more attractive to Yohanna than the competing projects presented by Chelsea and Newcastle.

The highly-rated Nigerian prospect eventually gave Brighton the final approval, completed his medical and became the latest young talent to trust the Seagulls’ development pathway as he prepares for his first taste of Premier League football.