The race to sign highly rated Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna has intensified, with Premier League giants Chelsea and Newcastle United entering the fray for the AIK winger’s signature.
The 18-year-old has become one of the most sought after young talents in Europe following his impressive rise in Sweden, and reports suggest the transfer battle is now developing into a direct contest between Chelsea and Newcastle.
According to reports from Sweden, Newcastle have submitted the highest offer so far, with a bid worth €24 million. The proposal exceeds Brighton and Hove Albion’s reported offer of between €22 million and €23 million as clubs continue negotiations with AIK over a potential transfer.
AIK are currently holding discussions with both Brighton and Newcastle regarding the winger’s future. However, Chelsea have now entered the race and could further complicate the battle for one of Nigeria’s brightest young prospects.
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed Chelsea’s growing interest in the player.
“🚨📈 Understand Chelsea have now also entered the race for Zadok Yohanna. #CFC
Newcastle’s proposal is currently understood to be the highest.
Brighton, however, are still hoping to secure the player’s commitment. Verbal agreement 100 % done.”
Zadok Yohanna joined AIK from Nigeria’s Ikon Allah Football Academy last year and has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign. Since arriving in Sweden, he has recorded five goals and four assists in just 12 appearances for the club.
The winger initially started with AIK’s Under 19 side but quickly earned promotion to the senior team after consistently impressing coaches and scouts with his performances.
His rapid development has attracted attention across Europe, with several top clubs monitoring his progress throughout the season.
Born in Bauchi State, Nigeria in 2007, Zadok Yohanna is a left-footed right winger for Swedish club AIK. Scouted from Ikon Allah Football Academy in Kaduna, the 18-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s top teenage talents and has been dubbed the “Nigerian Neymar.”
AIK scouting manager Fredrik Wisur Hansen recently highlighted the qualities that have made Yohanna one of the most exciting young players in Scandinavian football.
“He (Yohanna) has an impressive array of strengths, including his dribbling, close-range technique, outstanding one-on-one ability and a sensitive left foot,” Hansen said.
The proposed transfer is expected to break the Allsvenskan transfer record. If completed, it would surpass the €14 million fee paid by Hoffenheim to sign Bazoumana Toure from Hammarby last year.
With negotiations progressing rapidly and interest continuing to grow, AIK are expected to confirm Yohanna’s next destination later this week.
Whether Chelsea, Newcastle or another suitor wins the race, the transfer is set to mark a major milestone in the young Nigerian’s career and could become one of the biggest deals involving a player from the Swedish league.
