IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Thursday the club had signed Norwegian defender Markus Nakkim ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Nakkim has made more than 90 appearances in the Eliteserien, the top-flight of Norwegian soccer, and has previously made two appearances for the Norway Men’s U-21 National Team. The 26-year-old is set to be the seventh European player to don the Black and Orange this season. He will do so alongside OCSC captain Daniel Pedersen, Rob Kiernan, Kyle Scott, and fellow newcomers Ryan Doghman, Andrew Fox, Marc McNulty, and Emil Nielsen.

“I’m extremely proud to join Orange County SC,” said Nakkim. “After being presented with the club and project by the technical team, I felt there was no better place to continue my career. I’m impressed with the club’s ambition and think I can bring power and leadership to the team. After spending nearly the last eight years in Norwegian Eliteserien, my ambition was to move abroad to continue my development as a player and gain international experience. After thorough consideration, I chose OCSC and I’m very excited to get to work.”

A native of Oslo, Nakkim has appeared in 148 matches across Norway’s top three divisions. In those appearances he has tallied 11 goals and four assists as a center back.

“Markus has tremendous experience playing in the top division in Norway,” said OCSC Sporting Director Peter Nugent. “Signing him at 26 years old shows the progression the league has made to attract players of his caliber in the prime of their careers. He is an aggressive and committed defender, who relishes the physical side of the game and will complement our current group perfectly. We look forward to welcoming him here in Orange County.”