NIGERIAN youngster Zadok Yohanna has explained why he opted for Brighton despite interest from Newcastle United and Chelsea.
Yohanna joined Brighton yesterday from AIK Stockholm in a £21.5m deal, turning down offers from the fellow English Premier League clubs.
The 18-year-old wide forward, who enjoyed a breakthrough spell with AIK Stockholm last season, revealed that Brighton’s proven track record of nurturing young talent was the key factor behind his choice.
Yohanna believes the club’s philosophy perfectly aligns with his ambitions and attributes.
“I watch Premier League games a lot, so I know the teams that use young players, and Brighton is one of them,” Yohanna said.
“They are really good at developing young talents, and I think their style of play will fit me a lot.”
Yohanna, however, admitted that leaving AIK was a tough decision after building strong bonds in Sweden.
“I had a lot of good people around me who took care of me. Everyone loved me, so it was difficult to leave,” the winger explained.
The teen star also revealed he had spoken to head coach Fabian Hurzeler before agreeing to join Brighton.
“He urged me to keep fighting and working hard. I will give everything I have and I really want to win trophies with the team,” Yohanna vowed.
