Malawian-French centre-forward Yann Kouakou of North Macedonian side Brera Strumica is being linked with a move to Japanese club Tochigi City in the J2/J3 Special Season.
The 26-year-old, listed with a market value of €50,000, is the subject of transfer speculation ahead of the summer window, with reports in Japan and North Macedonia noting interest from Tochigi as they look to bolster their attack. The move remains firmly in the rumour stage, with the probability of any deal currently recorded as “?” and no agreement announced between the clubs.
Kouakou, who wears the number 25 shirt for Brera Strumica in the Prva liga, could be available on favourable terms. His contract details have not been made public and are currently recorded as having no fixed expiry date, leaving open the prospect that he could move as a free agent if his deal in North Macedonia is not formally extended.
Born on 17 August 1999 in Treichville, the 1.88m right-footed striker qualifies for both Malawi and France and is registered with multiple nationalities on official databases. Primarily deployed as an out‑and‑out centre-forward, he has been used as a focal point in attack for AP Brera Strumica, where he is also listed with the club’s representative side.
Scouting interest from Japan comes on the back of his recent outings in the North Macedonian top flight, where Brera Strumica have turned to his physical presence up front in tight league encounters. In a recent Prva liga fixture in spring 2026, he led the line in a narrow defeat, featuring prominently as Brera Strumica struggled to find a breakthrough despite his work rate in the final third. That display, along with his profile as a tall, mobile target man, is understood to have helped draw attention from abroad.
Tochigi City, competing in the J2/J3 100 Year Vision League special season structure, are expected to reshape their squad and have been tracking lower-cost options from emerging European markets. Kouakou’s relatively modest valuation of €50,000, compared with typical J-League transfer fees, has added to suggestions that the Japanese side see him as a low‑risk addition who could adapt to the physical and tactical demands of the division.
Kouakou’s senior career has so far been built away from Europe’s major leagues, with his current spell at Brera Strumica providing experience in a competitive but less heralded environment. The North Macedonian Prva liga has increasingly become a stepping stone for players looking for moves to Asia, and a successful transfer to Tochigi City would fit that pattern.
No timeframe has been set for a decision and there has been no indication yet of competing bids. With his contractual situation officially unclear and no expiry date listed, there remains the possibility that Brera Strumica may look to secure his future with fresh terms in order to protect his value, or risk losing him without a fee if he is able to negotiate a free transfer.
Should the move materialise, a switch from North Macedonia to Japan would represent a significant change of environment and exposure for Kouakou. A successful spell with Tochigi City could elevate his reputation, increase his market value beyond the current €50,000 mark and position the Malawian-French forward for further opportunities in Asia’s growing football market.
