Nick Markanich is set to formally join LaLiga 2 side CD Castellón in the January European transfer window as part of the Spanish club’s 2024/25 season. Charleston received a six-figure fee for the transfer and retain a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Markanich leaves a legacy as one of the greatest goalscorers in club and USL Championship history after rewriting the record books in 2024.
Markanich was crowned 2024 Championship Player of the Year, named All-League First Team and won the Golden Boot after setting a new league record with 28 goals scored in the regular season. Markanich was also the top goalscorer in America across all domestic leagues.
The forward ended 2024 with 30 goals across all competitions, setting a new Battery record for most overall goals scored in a single season, surpassing Paul Conway’s previous record of 27 goals scored in 2001.
For his Charleston career, Markanich scored 43 goals and 10 assists in 74 matches across all competitions from 2023 to 2024. He helped Charleston win the 2023 Eastern Conference title and end as USL Championship Finalists that year.
“Every professional player’s dream is to play at the highest level possible, and Charleston have done everything to help me reach that goal,” said Markanich. “Playing in Spain will be a great opportunity and experience that I’m very excited about. I’m looking forward to this new challenge with CD Castellón.”
The Northern Illinois University alumnus recorded six multi-goal games in 2024, including his astonishing four-goal haul against Las Vegas on April 27 and his sensational hat trick against Orange County on August 24. Additionally, 10 of Markanich’s 30 season goals were match-winners.
Markanich also developed a formidable, and historic, strike partnership with fellow forward MD Myers. With 42 combined goals, the teammates set a new Championship record for most goals in a single season by an attacking duo.
He additionally made a profound impact defensively in 2024, a hallmark of his overall success. Among forwards in the Championship regular season, he ranked first in possession won in the attacking third (35) and recoveries (147), second in duels won (188), third in tackles won (39), and tied for seventh in interceptions (21).
Heading to Spain, Markanich joins Castellón in the middle of their LaLiga 2 campaign, where the Valencian club sit midtable in their first season back in the second division.
Markanich adds to the growing list of recent Charleston players to take their talents to the next level, including Fidel Barajas (Real Salt Lake then Chivas), Trey Muse (Portland Timbers), Dante Polvara (Aberdeen FC) and Derek Dodson (Minnesota United FC).
“I have enjoyed every second in Charleston and playing for such an amazing team,” said Markanich. “I also want to give credit to all my teammates because, without them, I would not be in the position I am today. I love every single person involved in the club and they have a special place in my heart forever.”
The club thanks Nick for his dedication to the Battery and the Charleston community and wishes him the best of luck in his new adventure in Europe and beyond.
