English Premier League side Brighton have secured the signing of Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna from Swedish club AIK Stockholm.
The transfer, reported to be worth £21.5 million and subject to regulatory approval, makes Yohanna the most expensive Nigerian teenage footballer in history.
The deal surpasses the approximately £16 million Chelsea paid to sign John Obi Mikel from Lyn Oslo in 2006.
Brighton confirmed the acquisition on their official website, announcing that the former Ikon Allah Academy player has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2031.
The move comes just a year after Yohanna turned professional and sets a new record for the highest transfer fee paid for a player moving from Scandinavia to one of Europe’s top leagues.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler praised the 18-year-old’s qualities, describing him as an exciting attacking talent capable of influencing matches in the final third.
“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,” Hurzeler said.
“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.”
Yohanna said Brighton’s commitment to developing young players influenced his decision to join the club.
“I watch Premier League games a lot, so I know the teams that use young players, and Brighton is one of them,” he said.
“They are really good at developing young talents, and I think their style of play will fit me a lot.”
The teenager joined AIK last summer and registered five goals and four assists in 18 appearances this season before sealing the record-breaking transfer.