Footy-Africa can exclusively report that Newcastle United have moved into pole position to sign highly-rated AIK forward Zadok Yohanna, overtaking Premier League rivals Brighton, Chelsea, and Manchester City in a fast-evolving transfer race.
The battle for the Nigerian teenager took a significant turn after Brighton initially believed they had closed in on a deal, having submitted a €23m (£19.7m) bid to the Swedish Allsvenskan side. However, the entry of several European heavyweights has altered the landscape.
Newcastle have since tabled an improved package in the region of €25m plus an additional €5m in performance-related add-ons and bonuses.
Suleiman Mohammed, a Nigerian journalist close to the player’s camp, confirmed to Footy-Africa that the Magpies are now leading the pursuit. Key to Newcastle’s pitch is the promise of immediate first-team football in the Premier League. The club has an immediate vacancy on the wing following Anthony Gordon’s high-profile transfer to Barcelona, and senior figures view Yohanna as the ideal replacement.
Chelsea and Tottenham join race for Nigeria winger Zadok Yohanna
Manchester City remain active in the race and but haven’t matched Newcastle’s financial terms during ongoing discussions with AIK. However, City’s current strategy is to sign the forward and immediately transition him on loan to La Liga side Girona, a factor that could influence the player’s decision regarding immediate playing time.
Chelsea are also interested in the forward and remain prepared to rival Newcastle’s financial package in an attempt to hijack the transfer. With the bidding escalating, Brighton are now considered unlikely to land the player after being priced out by their top-flight rivals. Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also registered domestic interest but withdrew from contention after deeming the total package too expensive.
Tottenham on the other hand did not submitted an official but admire the player’s talents.
Yohanna’s ascent comes just a year after he moved to Sweden from the Ikhon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria.
Newcastle United table €30 million offer for Zadok Yohanna amid Brighton interest
While personal terms are not expected to pose a barrier for either Newcastle or Chelsea, a final agreement hinges entirely on the player’s decision. Yohanna is currently assessing the sporting projects on offer before finalizing his next destination.
