Kouakou comes to Malmö's aid

'Good offer'
The 25-year-old Kouakou, capped four times by his country, is looking forward to this new challenge. "I chose Malmö because they gave me a good and concrete offer," he said. "Sogndal are a small club in the second division and I hope my move to Malmö will help me take the next step in my career. Playing for Malmö is a completely different challenge and I will work hard to succeed."

Defensive problems
The centre-back's arrival comes as a timely boost for Malmö as they prepare for next month's UEFA Cup first-round tie against Besiktas JK. Defender Patrik Andersson has had to retire through injury while Olof Persson is struggling with a knee problem. Malmö are third in the Swedish Allsvenskan and will contest the UEFA Cup after losing to FC Thun in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.