York Rafael swaps South Korea for Brage in free transfer

Rwanda-Sweden midfielder York Rafael has swapped South Korea for Sweden after joining Brage from FC Anyang on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old left midfielder completed the move on 1 September 2026, with Brage securing his services for their Superettan campaign. Rafael becomes part of a Brage squad competing in Sweden’s second tier after spending the early part of the 2026 season in the K League 1.

Rafael made six league appearances for FC Anyang during the 2026 campaign, providing one assist. He started one of those matches and also received a yellow card, recording 227 minutes of league football. He did not feature for the club in the Korea Cup.

His move to Brage follows a brief spell with Anyang, whom he joined from Swedish side IK Oddevold on 27 March 2026. Rafael had moved to Oddevold from Egypt’s Zed FC in July 2025, also on a free transfer.

Before that, he spent time with Gefle, joining the club from AFC Eskilstuna in January 2023. His earlier Swedish career included spells with AFC Eskilstuna, Kalmar FF and Varnamo, while he also played for Sandvikens IF and spent part of the 2016-17 season on loan at VfL Bochum’s under-19 side.

Born in Gavle on 17 March 1999, Rafael holds Rwandan and Swedish nationalities. He has played primarily on the left side of midfield throughout his senior career, and his arrival gives Brage another option in that position.

The transfer also sees Rafael return to Swedish club football after his short stint in South Korea. His current market value is listed at €175,000, while Brage have completed the deal without paying a transfer fee.

Rafael’s move from FC Anyang to Brage was completed on 1 September 2026 as a free transfer.