Orange County Soccer Club has agreed to a permanent transfer deal for Korede Osundina with reigning Dutch Eredivisie champions Feyenoord.
The 19-year-old forward, who has captained the United States U19 team, becomes the fifth player to transfer from Orange County SC to a major European team and the latest example of the club’s trailblazing development strategy and pro player pathway.
The prolific forward is also the first player to be transferred between OCSC and Feyenoord, after the clubs formed a first-of-its-kind collaborative partnership in February 2023.
The Illinois-born teenager joined OCSC at the start of the 2022 season, after being scouted from the FC Barcelona Residency Academy in Arizona. Osundina has appeared for OCSC 41 times across two seasons, and has scored four goals in the current campaign.
With his move to the Netherlands, the teenager will be given the opportunity to continue the development that has been fostered in the USL Championship.
“I’m beyond thrilled to move to Feyenoord and continue my career in the Netherlands,” said Osundina. “OCSC gave me the opportunity to play professional soccer and develop me, with a clear path to playing in Europe that I couldn’t have found elsewhere.I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time in Irvine, and want to thank everyone at the club for their incredible support.”
Osundina follows in the footsteps of young Orange County SC prospects who have continued their professional development with a major European team, including teenage U.S. international Kobi Henry, who shattered the USL Championship transfer record in June 2022 with his move to French top-flight side Stade de Reims.
“We are very pleased to transfer Korede to European powerhouse, Feyenoord Rotterdam, whose partnership is a huge asset for our club,” said Oliver Wyss, President of Soccer Operations and General Manager. “From the first day Korede stepped onto our training field, he impressed us with his special talent and desire to excel. Korede is a first-class professional on and off the field, and we wish him every success at Feyenoord and beyond!”
OCSC has pioneered the model of creating opportunities for young players to move directly to Europe, breaking the mold of traditional college or MLS routes. OCSC entered into a long-term partnership with Feyenoord in February 2023, providing synergistic value to both clubs in terms of player loans, development and scouting.
“Since our partnership with OCSC began, it became clear to me that the club offers a clear pathway to Europe for emerging talents in the USA,” said Mark Rijul, Head of Global Football at Feyenoord. “OCSC has a very good technical infrastructure, highly competitive environment and a long-term vision that develops players like Korede for the next level. With this move, we believe Korede can take the next steps in his career, and we are thrilled to help him with that at Feyenoord.”
Per club policy, terms of the deal and player contracts will not be released to the public.
CLICK HERE FOR KOREDE OSUNDINA IMAGERY & VIDEO
About Orange County Soccer Club
Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) is Orange County’s only professional soccer team and a founding member of the United Soccer League (USL). It was purchased by Club owner and Chief Investment Officer of LARO Properties, James Keston, in 2017. OCSC, which plays its home games at the 5,500-seat Orange County Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA, won its first USL Championship title in 2021. OCSC is dedicated to being the leader in professional player development in the United States, providing a pathway to professional soccer and to the top leagues around the world.
OCSC, alongside its sister organization, the 501c3 Orange County Soccer Club Community Foundation, are committed to creating a world-class soccer organization that focuses on the fans, players, and youth clubs of Orange County.
For more information, visit orangecountysoccer.com and uslsoccer.com.
