Irvine, CA - Orange County SC has announced the signing of Norwegian defender Markus Nakkim. Nakkim has made over 90 appearances in the Eliteserien, the top Norwegian division, and also made two appearances for the Norwegian U-21s.

When the 26-year-old Oslo native comes to Championship Soccer Stadium, he will become the seventh European player to don the Black and Orange this season. He will do so alongside captain Daniel A. 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,” Nakkim said. “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!”

Over the course of his career so far, 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,” OCSC Sporting Director Peter Nugent said. “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."

OCSC continues its commitment to defense in the offseason, as Nakkim marks the fifth defender brought in. At 6'1", Nakkim is a big defensive presence both down the center of the park and in the box, and he has proven to have chip in the occasional goal.

Per club and league policy, terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.