Rennes to battle Real Madrid for Nigerian youngster liked by Super Eagles boss Chelle

Stade Rennais have joined the growing list of European clubs pursuing highly‑rated Nigerian teenager Zadok Yohanna, according to Afrik‑Foot.

Sources in Sweden say Rennes have expressed concrete interest in the 18‑year‑old striker after his explosive start to the Allsvenskan season with AIK.

Yohanna has quickly become one of the most exciting names in Scandinavian football, scoring two goals and providing three assists in his first seven league appearances for AIK. His performances have attracted scouts from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, who have been seen at AIK matches in recent weeks.

Clubs linked with the youngster include Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Ajax and Club Brugge.

Rennes appear to be pushing hard to convince the winger to choose France over Spain and Germany, but Real Madrid’s recent entry into the race has intensified competition for his signature.

The teenager’s rapid rise has also drawn the attention of Nigeria Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who is reportedly monitoring several young Nigerian talents across Europe as he plans for the future of the national team.

Pressure on AIK for Nigerian teen

Despite the growing transfer chatter around Yohanna, AIK remain in a strong negotiating position. The Swedish club has tied the winger to a long‑term contract that runs until the end of the 2029 season, meaning they are under no immediate pressure to sell.

AIK recruitment manager Miika Takkula has previously acknowledged that serious interest in the teenager comes from across Europe’s elite leagues, and Swedish reports claim foreign clubs have applied significant pressure on AIK this season by sending scouts to nearly every major fixture.

The winger’s development story has made him even more attractive to top clubs. Yohanna moved to Sweden from Nigeria’s Ikon Allah Football Academy and has adapted quickly to the physical and tactical demands of Scandinavian football.

His direct style of play has impressed many. Unlike many traditional wingers who stay wide and rely mainly on crossing, Yohanna constantly drives into central attacking areas, challenges defenders aggressively and looks for scoring opportunities himself. His pace, movement and decision‑making in the final third have made him stand out despite his young age.

Real Madrid reportedly view him as another long‑term youth project in the mould of stars like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, while Dortmund and Leipzig believe he fits perfectly into their proven player‑development systems.

Yohanna is currently recovering from a thigh injury sustained during AIK’s recent derby clash against Djurgårdens IF. The injury forced him off in the first half and he is presently undergoing rehabilitation.

Even so, the setback has done little to cool interest in the Nigerian teenager. Reports suggest AIK could demand between €20 million and €30 million for the winger, a figure that would place him among the most expensive outgoing transfers in Scandinavian football history if a deal is completed this summer.