Zadok Yohanna Makes Brighton Debut After Record-Breaking AIK Transfer

Posted : 09 August 2026

Nigerian forward Zadok Yohanna made his first appearance for Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday as the Premier League club defeated AS Roma 3-0 in a pre-season friendly at the American Express Stadium. The 19-year-old came on in the 60th minute, replacing Diego Gomez, as manager Fabian Hurzeler used the fixture to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Yohanna received a warm reception from the home supporters when he entered the pitch. He was introduced with Brighton already three goals ahead and spent the final 30 minutes getting his first taste of senior football for the Seagulls.

The Nigerian showed attacking intent during his brief outing. He won a free-kick in Brighton's defensive half and later had a left-footed effort from inside the box blocked after receiving a pass from Yasin Ayari. The appearance gave the youngster valuable minutes against an experienced Roma side.

Brighton had already established control before Yohanna's introduction. Georginio Rutter opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box after an assist from Gomez. Ayari then doubled the advantage in the 40th minute before adding his second goal shortly after the interval.

Ayari was one of Brighton's standout performers, scoring twice and helping the hosts maintain their attacking momentum. Rutter also impressed, contributing a goal and an assist before being replaced by Charalampos Kostoulas in the 60th minute.

For Yohanna, the appearance marked another important stage in a rapid rise that began in Sweden. Brighton signed him from AIK after reportedly agreeing an initial €28 million fee, with a further €2 million available in add-ons. The package makes the transfer the most expensive sale in the history of Sweden's Allsvenskan.

The winger joined Brighton on a five-year contract running until June 2031. He had attracted interest from several European clubs before choosing the Seagulls, who viewed his pace, dribbling and attacking ability as qualities that could develop at Premier League level.

Hurzeler has previously stressed that Yohanna will need time to adapt to the demands of English football. The Brighton manager also highlighted the youngster's ability to influence matches in the final third, making his first appearance an early opportunity to begin that adaptation.

The 3-0 victory was a strong pre-season result for Brighton, while Yohanna's 30-minute cameo provided the Nigerian prospect with his first competitive-style experience in his new surroundings. Brighton's clean sheet and attacking display also gave Hurzeler further positives as preparations for the 2026/27 campaign continue.

Zadok Yohanna Makes Brighton Debut After Record-Breaking AIK Transfer

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