Orri Óskarsson sold to Real Sociedad
F.C. Copenhagen have sold Orri Óskarsson to the Spanish club Real Sociedad. The clubs have agreed on a transfer that sets a new record for F.C. Copenhagen.
Óskarsson joined F.C. Copenhagen from Iceland in 2020 and became top scorer for the U19 team with 29 goals in the 2021/22 season. The Icelandic national team striker has made 62 first-team appearances and scored 23 goals for F.C. Copenhagen.
Sports director Sune Smith-Nielsen said of the deal: "The sale of Orri is another great sign of the very strong work that is carried out at the FCK Talent Department every single day.
"It is also an expression of the fact that we, as a club, are able to give talented, young players the playing time they need, so that they can develop and make themselves attractive.
"It is a sale that triggers several emotions at once. On the one hand, we are very proud to have once again succeeded in a really good development and transfer of a great talent. On the other hand, we would have liked to keep Orri for a little longer. This is also the reason why we have rejected the many offers that have been made for Orri this summer.
"However, we also have to have respect for the situation that arises when finances reach this level. We have a transfer record for F.C. Copenhagen, and we must be happy about the tremendous development that another of our talented youngsters has gone through.”
Neestrup: Orri sped up the development
Head coach Jacob Neestrup also spoke about the sale of the striker, of whom he has high expectations.
"Over the past six months, Orri has further accelerated his development, and great praise must be given to him for working his way into the team and showing the potential that we have always been aware that he possesses,” he says.
“He is a talented striker with strong ability to get behind the defence. He is skilled at coming up with many chances during a match, and especially in the last six months, he has also put in the goals.
"It is not easy to send Orri on, but we must be happy that F.C. Copenhagen has once again developed and sold a talented young player to a top club in one of the strongest leagues in Europe. And it's not just Orri's merit - it's also the many talented people on and off the pitch who have contributed to his development along the way."
Orri: I can only recommend Copenhagen to others
Óskarsson has played at F.C. Copenhagen since he was 15 years old. As he leaves the club, he’s had time to reflect on the education he received in the Danish capital.
"I did not expect that I would have to leave F.C. Copenhagen now. I had just signed a new agreement with the club, and therefore it was not my initial intention that I should leave now,” he says.
"But with what I've been presented with at Real Sociedad, it's a good next step for me. It's an opportunity to become a first-choice striker at a top club in an incredibly strong league, and I can't say no to that.
"However, I hope that I have contributed to helping F.C. Copenhagen become a better place. It is sad to have to say goodbye to the club, the city and all those who have become my friends in Copenhagen.
"I owe so many people a really big thank you, and I am deeply grateful for the education I have received both on and off the pitch. I can definitely recommend other players to take the same path to Copenhagen as I did and to experience both the ups and downs.”
Everyone at F.C. Copenhagen wishes Orri good luck in the future.