‘Brighton develop young players’: Zadok Yohanna explains Premier League move after AIK breakthrough

Brighton & Hove Albion has secured the signing of highly-rated Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna, who revealed the club's proven track record in nurturing young talent was a decisive factor in his move from AIK Stockholm.

Yohanna, 18, has made a meteoric rise in Swedish football since arriving in Europe in 2025. He quickly adapted to life at AIK Stockholm, showcasing impressive pace, creativity, and attacking flair. His performances this season attracted significant interest from clubs across Europe, but Brighton's strategy of recruiting elite young prospects ultimately won out.

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

"I watch Premier League games a lot, so I know the teams that use young players, and Brighton is one of them," Yohanna told the club's official website. "They are really good at developing young talents, and I think their style of play will fit me a lot."

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

Leaving AIK Stockholm was an emotional experience for Yohanna, who had built strong relationships and become a fan favorite. He credited those around him for helping him settle into European football. "I had a lot of good people around me who took care of me," he said. "Everyone loved me, so it was difficult to leave."

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler outlined his expectations to Yohanna during transfer discussions, urging him to "keep fighting and working hard." The Nigerian youngster is eager to make his mark in the Premier League, aiming to win trophies with the team after signing a five-year contract.

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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.