Diedry Kouassi: French-Ivorian striker joins St-Co Locmine on a free transfer

French-Ivorian centre-forward Diedry Kouassi has joined French club St-Co Locmine from Paterno on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old completed the move on 4 September and will continue his career in France with St-Co Locmine, who compete in National 1 Group B. Kouassi, who was born in Rennes, is a right-footed striker standing 1.84m tall.

Kouassi arrives after a year with Paterno, having moved to the Italian club from GOAL FC in August 2025. His departure brings to an end a short spell in Italy before his return to French football.

His career has taken him through clubs in France, Bulgaria and Italy. He moved from Vannes to Monaco Under-21s in July 2022 before joining CSKA 1948 II in February 2024. After leaving the Bulgarian side, he joined GOAL FC in December 2024 and subsequently switched to Paterno.

Kouassi’s record includes appearances in France’s National 1, Serie D in Italy, Bulgaria’s second tier and the Premier League International Cup Under-21 competition. He has also featured in the Coupe de France and the Coupe Gambardella during his career.

His most productive recorded league campaign came in National 1 Group B, where he scored five goals in eight appearances. He has also registered one goal and one assist in 30 appearances in National 1 Group A, while scoring once in six Coupe de France matches.

Kouassi began his youth career with Brest, joining Brest Under-17s in 2016 before progressing to Stade Brest Under-19s and then OC Vannes Under-19s. He moved into senior football with Vannes in July 2019.

The forward’s return to France adds another experienced attacker to St-Co Locmine’s squad as the club competes in National 1 Group B. His arrival also marks the latest stage of a career that has included spells across three countries and a succession of free transfers.

Kouassi has now completed his move from Paterno to St-Co Locmine without a transfer fee.