IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Tuesday the club had signed French midfielder Sofiane Djeffal for the upcoming USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Djeffal joins the Black and Orange after previously playing for Austin FC and D.C. United of Major League Soccer. The 24-year-old made nine appearances for Austin during the 2023 campaign across all competitions, including one start in the Concacaf Champions League, and was a teammate with fellow new OCSC signing Charlie Asensio.

“I decided to join OCSC because I really wanted to be a part of an ambitious project where I could grow as a player, as well as an individual,” Djeffal said. “My goal for 2024 is clear, I want to win the league and hope to contribute to the team’s success as much as I possibly can.”

Prior to his stop in Austin, Djeffal was selected with the 36th pick of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United. In the nation’s capital, he played more than 1,600 minutes in 28 appearances for DCU and tallied one assist. He also led the club in tackles (45) and tackles won (27), while also being top 5 on the squad in blocks (29) and interceptions (27).

“Sofiane is an elegant midfielder, who looks to dictate play and control possession. We feel he will fit our game model perfectly and complement our current group of midfielders.” OCSC President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Peter Nugent said. “Given the platform and the right environment, we feel we can assist him get back to the highest level possible.”