Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig Battle for AIK Star Zadok Yohanna in €30m Transfer Race

Swedish top-flight side AIK have opened negotiations over the sale of highly-rated Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna, with several clubs, including Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, showing concrete interest, SportsBoom understands.

The 18-year-old winger has enjoyed a remarkable rise since arriving in Sweden from Nigerian grassroots outfit Ikon Allah Football Academy less than a year ago. 

His performances have quickly established him as a fan favourite and one of the most sought-after young talents in Scandinavian football.

Yohanna, a left-footed attacker, has scored five goals and provided four assists in 12 appearances across all competitions this season, attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.

The teenager was recently named in Nigeria's squad for international friendlies against Jamaica and Zimbabwe. 

However, AIK opted not to release the player after concerns over an injury issue. Sources have told SportsBoom that the club were also wary of jeopardising a potential summer transfer by risking further fitness problems.

On Sunday, AIK confirmed that discussions regarding Yohanna's future are underway.

"AIK Fotboll has initiated negotiations regarding the sale of player Zadok Yohanna. The current bid indicates a net profit effect higher than class VIII (i.e. over 130,000 kSEK)," the club said in a statement.

Brighton, Germany, and Czechia

Sources close to the negotiations have informed Sportsboom that talks with interested clubs began last week and could be concluded this month if his valuation is met.

Brighton are understood to be among the frontrunners, while Bundesliga clubs Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have also registered strong interest. 

Brighton could be in the midst of a wider summer rebuild, with uncertainty around the futures of key figures such as goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and defender Jan Paul van Hecke, potentially accelerating their push for young, high-upside additions like Yohanna.

Czech champions Slavia Prague are believed to have monitored the player closely and made enquiries as far back as March.

According to sources close to SportsBoom, AIK have already received multiple offers but are taking a measured approach before deciding on Yohanna's next destination. Club officials are said to be considering not only the financial package but also the environment they believe would best support the player's development.

AIK are believed to value Yohanna at around €30m, although a fee in the region of €25m could be enough to secure a deal. Such a transfer would represent a significant return on a player who joined the club for less than €500,000 less than 12 months ago.

While no agreement has yet been reached, all indications suggest Yohanna will leave AIK during the summer transfer window, with some of Europe's most ambitious clubs competing for one of Nigeria's brightest emerging talents.