WHO IS BRIGHTON’S NIGERIAN £21.5 MILLION TEENAGER WONDER KID?

 

Zadok Yohanna at the Ikon Allah Football Academy. (Image: Ikon Allah football Academy)

Brighton snapped up Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK Stockholm this summer.

The 18-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal reportedly worth around £21.5 million. It's a significant fee for such a young prospect.

Speaking about the transfer, Fabian Hurzeler said: “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.”

Before making the move to Sweden, Yohanna came through the ranks at Nigeria's Ikon Allah Football Academy, where he first caught the attention of European scouts.

Ayi Muhammed, the man who took him under his wing at the Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria, believes he will be a great investment.

Muhammed is president of the academy and said he felt like a second father to the winger, who left home at the age of 11 to learn his trade.

He speaks like a dad at times and a coach at others as he talks about Yohanna from the academy in Kaduna.

“I picked Zadok from the age of 11 and his family is like three to four hours’ drive away,” he said.

“I saw his potential from the age of 11. He has special qualities and in the next two years he must get the African Balon d’Or, before the age of 20.

“This is what he can do in England. In the English league you will see another different side.

“He is special. He has all the qualities. Skills, marking ability, he uses his head. Everything, Yohanna has it."

He made 18 appearances for AIK this season in the league and cup, scoring five goals and providing four assists.

Albion will be setting their targets high in the UEFA Conference League, and Yohanna is likely to feature. It's a competition he could shine in.

On the right wing, he will face stiff competition from Yankuba Minteh, but only if the Gambian talent stays at Brighton.

Reports suggest Liverpool are pushing for a Minteh move. If that happens, pressure will really be on the teenager.

- Henry Bryant