CPL York United FC

York United FC Unveils Trio of Exciting International Signings

January 7, 2022 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
York United FC News Release


Czech Republic striker Martin Graiciar
Czech Republic striker Martin Graiciar
(York United FC)

It's been a busy few weeks for York United FC.

Just before the Christmas break, the Canadian Premier League side closed out the year by unveiling Martin Nash as its new Head Coach. Now, they've started 2022 with another big splash and announced a trio of exciting international signings.

19-year-old Danish centre back Daniel Obbekjaer has joined on a two-year deal, with further club options until the end of 2025. A strong and technically-gifted player, Obbekjaer has represented his country from Under-16s right through to Under-19s. Having blossomed at well-known Danish top-flight side Odense, Obbekjaer made his senior pro debut at just 16 years of age.

Also arriving at The Nine Stripes is Brazilian left-back Eduardo Jesus. With explosive pace, a wicked delivery and a potency from set-pieces too, he's a thrilling prospect who has been capped at Under-16 and Under-17 levels by his country. The teenager, who has spent his youth career at Vitória - a heralded breeding ground for some of Brazil's most famous players of the last 30 years - has signed a two-year deal with an option until the end of 2024.

Finally, Czech Republic striker Martin Graiciar was also revealed by the club this week. The 22-year-old has a remarkable story, mostly regarding his teenage years when he was one of the most coveted players in Europe.

A prodigy at youth level with FC Viktoria Plzeň, Graiciar was handed an Under-16 cap for his country when he was still just 14 and scored on his debut against Germany. The consistency of his performances led to reported interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea but it was Arsene Wenger that was most persuasive and Graiciar moved to Premier League giants Arsenal in 2015 and played in various youth teams there. Later, after a stint back in the Czech Republic top-flight, there was a glittering move to Serie A heavyweights Fiorentina but his time in Florence officially came to an end late last year.

"I'm really excited by the talent we're assembling for this roster," says CEO/President & GM Angus McNab.

"We have guys who grew up in the GTA: either they have returned home from playing abroad or they're young talent from local communities. Then, we have Canadians from elsewhere in the country who have felt strongly about coming here and committing to our plan. And then there's our international players from Europe and South America. The three international signings we made this week have all had some fantastic opportunities in the game, be that for club or country. But, they have chosen to be part of our organization, invest in our community and buy into what we are doing here. It's genuinely thrilling and I hope people join us on this journey. It promises to be a very special year for York United FC."

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Images from this story

Danish centre back Daniel Obbekjaer
Danish centre back Daniel Obbekjaer
 Brazilian left-back Eduardo Jesus
Brazilian left-back Eduardo Jesus
 Czech Republic striker Martin Graiciar
Czech Republic striker Martin Graiciar



Canadian Premier League Stories from January 7, 2022


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