Brighton and Hove Albion recently broke the Allsvenskan transfer record to sign Zadok Yohanna from AIK, but ex-Super Eagles forward Peter Ijeh has revealed why the purchase was worth it, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 18-year-old fleet-footed winger joined the Seagulls for €28m, becoming Nigeria's most expensive teenage transfer, penning a five-year deal at the Amex Stadium.
Nicknamed the ‘Nigerian Neymar', Yohanna is well known for his ability to drive past players, and Ijeh believes that attribute will help him thrive in the English Premier League.
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Peter Ijeh highlights what Brighton fans should expect from Zadok Yohanna
Popularly called the Allsvenskan legend, Ijeh played for several Swedish clubs in his time as a professional footballer, and revealed he's proud of the teenager for using the league as a ‘launch pad'.
“Zadok Yohanna moving from Nigerian Academy team to Swedish club AIK Stockholm and going on to sign a five-year contract with Brighton & Hove Albion is a great nand good for the lad and everyone involved,” Ijeh told Footy-Africa.
“The transfer is a very profound one, based on performative acts and dominance in the Swedish Allsvenskan league and season.
“The Sweden’s Allsvenskan league has always been a launch pad and a quick link to big teams in Europe.”
Quizzed about what set Yohanna apart, and why he can command such huge fees for his age, Ijeh highlighted the winger's top qualities.
“His style of play is attacking and fearless, taking on defenders or creating over coverage situations for the opposite team that gives his own team a numerical superiority in other positions,” the 49-year-old continued.
“He must continue in that talented area and make it his specialty.
“In other to add to his skill, he must always train to be in continuous flexibility and agility and purposeful,” the five-cap Super Eagle concluded.
While AIK are still in season, Yohanna will not continue with the Swedish side. He's expected to formally complete his registration when the transfer window opens.
