Jose Pino / SPP
The North Carolina Courage have acquired Japanese international midfielder Shinomi Koyama, sources with knowledge of the deal told The Equalizer. The Courage will pay a transfer fee of around $225,000 to Swedish club Djurgården, per a source with knowledge of the deal who was not authorized to speak publicly.
Koyama is a Japanese international who turns 20 years old later this month and captained Japan at last year’s U-20 World Cup, where the team finished runners-up to North Korea. She moved to Djurgården in Sweden last year after beginning her career domestically in Japan.
SVT in Sweden previously reported that Koyama would transfer to a National Women’s Soccer League club for a fee that would set a new record for Djurgården.
Koyama is a versatile player who can play across the midfield and defensive lines. Her play at the U-20 World Cup earned her a call-up to the senior team in October.
North Carolina has recently been a frequent destination for talented Japanese internationals. Midfielder…
