Brighton look to sign Nigerian-born centreback Honest Ahanor from Italian side Atalanta

ENGLISH Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion are looking to add another Nigerian to their playing staff for the forthcoming season following the recent signing of Zadok Yohanna from Sweden club AIK.

In what was seen as a major coup that signifies the club's ambition, Brighton signed 18 year old Yohanna, said to be one of the most exciting young wingers in world football for €28m. Now, the club is looking to add to this by signing compatriot Honest Ahanor from Italian side Atalanta during the current transfer window.

After recently turning 18 and applying for Italian citizenship, Ahanor received his first call-up for the Italian U21 side on 20 March 2026. Then, in May 2026, Ahanor was called up to the Italy national senior squad by interim head coach Silvio Baldini, for friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece on 3 and 7 June 2026, respectively.

Having now made his senior debut for Italy, Ahanor is no longer available for Nigeria despite being born to Nigerian parents. A left-footed defender, Ahanor mainly plays as a left-back but can also operate as a centreback, central midfielder and winger and is known for his versatility, speed, and strength.

Ahanor, who joined Atalanta in the summer of 2025, enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at the Gewiss Stadium, establishing himself as one of the club's promising young defenders. He impressed with his composure, defensive solidity and maturity at the heart of Atalanta's backline, attracting interest from international selectors.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Brighton have already made enquiries about the availability of the highly-rated defender, although the Seagulls are yet to submit an official bid to the Bergamo club. Brighton are in the market for a new central defender following the departure of Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, who recently joined Tottenham Hotspur  to reunite with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.