The North Carolina Courage have secured Japanese international midfielder Shinomi Koyama, according to sources familiar with the transaction who spoke to The Equalizer. The Courage will remit a transfer fee close to $225,000 to the Swedish club Djurgården, as stated by an undisclosed source.
Koyama, who is set to turn 20 later this month, is a Japanese international and captained her country in the previous year’s U-20 World Cup, where Japan finished as runners-up to North Korea. She made the move to Djurgården in Sweden last year following her domestic career in Japan.
In Sweden, SVT previously reported that Koyama’s transfer to a National Women’s Soccer League team would set a new record for Djurgården.
Koyama is a flexible player, capable of playing throughout both the midfield and defensive lines. Her performance during the U-20 World Cup warranted her a call-up to Japan’s senior team in October.
North Carolina has recently become a popular destination for skilled Japanese internationals. Midfielder Narumi Miura played for the team in 2023 and 2024 before signing with the Washington Spirit as a free agent. Manaka Matsukubo, who joined in 2023, still remains with the Courage.
Matsukubo originally came to the Courage on loan in 2023, contributing to their Challenge Cup victory by scoring in the final and earning the MVP accolade for the match. Her loan deal was converted into a full transfer last year. The versatile attacking midfielder and forward is also 20 years old.
Koyama and Matsukubo were teammates on the Japan squad during last year’s U-20 World Cup.
The Courage has been active this offseason. They acquired United States international Jaedyn Shaw in a high-profile trade with the San Diego Wave, paying an initial fee of $450,000 for her, subject to future performance conditions. With the addition of Koyama, the Courage are positioned among the highest spenders in this NWSL offseason.
The primary transfer window for the NWSL will not formally open until January 28, triggering an anticipated increase in confirmed transfer activities.
Image Source: Shinomi Koyama @ Instagram
