IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Tuesday it had reached a transfer deal with Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjaelland for star forward Milan Iloski that will take place in the January 2024 transfer window.

Iloski, who earlier in the season signed a contract extension with OCSC, will complete the remainder of the USL Championship season as the side looks to maintain its push for a second league title in three seasons.

The 24-year-old forward becomes the sixth player to transfer from the 2021 USL Championship title winners to a major European team. The move is the second notable transfer agreement struck by OCSC in recent weeks following the move of United States youth international Korede Osundina to defending Eredivisie champions Feyenoord.

Iloski claimed the USL Championship’s Golden Boot with 22 goals in the 2022 regular season and has added 12 goals and four assists so far this campaign. The California native’s play has been a key factor in Orange County’s drive up the Western Conference standings in the second half of the season, with the club currently in third place in the conference, only four points behind first-placed Sacramento Republic FC.

“Milan has arguably been the best pure forward in the USL Championship the last two seasons, and we are beyond delighted to have come to an agreement to transfer him to FC Nordsjaelland at the end of the season,” said Oliver Wyss, OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager. “We have turned down multiple offers that did not meet our expectations for last year’s Golden Boot winner during his very successful time here, and we are convinced his value will only continue to rise in Denmark.

“Milan is a fan favorite and difference maker who will give his all for our quest of winning a second USL Championship title in three years before he fulfills his dream of playing for a top European club next season!”

Since joining the club prior to the 2022 campaign, Iloski has become Orange County’s all-time leading goalscorer, recording 38 goals and 11 assists in 62 club appearances across all competitions since signing for OCSC in February 2022. Prior to joining OCSC, Iloski spent two seasons with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer and competed on loan with Real Monarchs SLC in the USL Championship. In league play, he has recorded 39 goals in 77 appearances at a strike rate of a goal every 167.8 minutes.

“It’s been a privilege to represent Orange County SC, and I am very glad that I chose to play here and become a better player and professional,” said Iloski. “While leaving is difficult, I’m really excited to take on a new challenge in Denmark next year. I would like to take the opportunity to thank my teammates, coaches, fans and everyone involved at the club for their support over the last two seasons. However, I am fully focused on our playoff push and ultimately compete for the USL Championship title!”