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

French side Stade Rennais have joined the growing list of European clubs chasing highly-rated Nigerian teenager Zadok Yohanna, Afrik-Foot reports.

According to reports in Sweden, Rennes have now shown concrete interest in the 18-year-old attacker after his electric start to the new Allsvenskan season with AIK.

The Nigerian youngster has quickly become one of the most exciting names in Scandinavian football after producing two goals and three assists in his opening seven league appearances for AIK. His performances have drawn scouts from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with representatives regularly spotted at AIK matches in recent weeks.

Among the clubs strongly linked with Yohanna are Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Ajax and Club Brugge.

Rennes are believed to be pushing hard to convince the winger to choose France over Spain and Germany, although Real Madrid’s recent entry into the race has significantly raised the level of competition for his signature.

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

Pressure on AIK for Nigerian teen

Despite the growing transfer noise around Yohanna, AIK remain in a powerful negotiating position. The Swedish club tied the winger down 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 previously admitted there is serious interest in the teenager from across Europe’s elite leagues, while Swedish reports claim foreign clubs have placed enormous 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 Europe’s 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, attacks 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 see 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.

However, Yohanna is currently recovering from a thigh injury suffered during AIK’s recent derby clash against Djurgårdens IF. The injury forced him off during 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.