Hyundai A-League Premiers and Westfield FFA Cup holders Sydney FC have created history with the signing of young Australian prodigy Daniel De Silva on loan from Central Coast Mariners.
The exciting 21-year old becomes the Hyundai A-League’s first ever loan deal between clubs and Head Coach Steve Corica’s second new signing since taking charge of the Sky Blues, with more expected to follow in the coming days.
De Silva’s signature is a sign of Corica’s desire to strengthen the squad and bring the best young Australian players to Sydney FC.
“Danny is a great signing for us, as there were a number of other A-League clubs who wanted him,” said the Head Coach.
“He is a quality young player who will benefit and learn from the talent we have at the club already, and I think we will see the best of him this season.
“He improves our squad and is another dangerous, young, attack-minded midfielder for our Members to get excited about.”
De Silva, who is set to make his Sky Blues debut tonight, comes to the Sky Blues after a career that has taken him from Western Australia to Italy and Holland before joining the Central Coast Mariners last season.
He burst onto the scene as a 15-year old making his Hyundai A-League debut for Perth Glory against Sydney FC in 2013, before a big money transfer to Roma two years later.
“This is a massive move for me and I’m eager to learn and improve with the excellent squad at Sydney FC, and also looking forward to joining the renown winning culture at the club,” said De Silva.
“I want to win trophies and do it playing the type of exciting football the Sydney FC Members expect to see.
“I’m also looking forward to playing and working under Steve Corica too. Everything he has had to say about the club and the way he intends to play excites me.
“I can’t wait to join the boys and get training ahead of the new season.”
The Perth born youngster was loaned to Dutch club Roda JC following his move to Roma, where he made a number of appearances in Holland’s Eredivisie before returning to the A-League last season to play for Central Coast Mariners, winning the club’s supporters’ player of the season.
De Silva has been a regular throughout the Socceroos national youth teams and was called into the initial Socceroos squad for the 2015 Asian Cup.
Sydney FC’s Pre-Season Fixtures:
Wednesday 25th July vs Sutherland Sharks @ Jubilee Stadium – 7.30pm. (Friendly)
Wednesday 1st August vs Rockdale City Suns @ Ilinden Sports Centre – 7.30pm. (Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32)
Tuesday 7th August vs Hakoah FC @ Leichhardt Oval – 7.30pm. (Friendly)
