Sydney FC have confirmed the signing of young playmaker Daniel De Silva on loan from the Central Coast Mariners for the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season.
De Silva, 21, is the first player to be loaned between Hyundai A-League clubs as part of the new intra-league loan system which was announced on Tuesday.
READ: FFA introduces "Intra-League loans" for Australian U23 players
PAPER TALK: Sydney FC player reaches his charity goal
As part of the deal, De Silva won’t be able to play against the Mariners throughout the campaign.
“Danny is a great signing for us, as there were a number of other A-League clubs who wanted him,” Sydney FC coach Steve Corica said.
“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 could make his Sky Blues debut as early as tonight in the club’s pre-season friendly against Sutherland Sharks at Kogarah.
“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 renowned winning culture at the club,” De Silva said.
“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.”
De Silva started his career in the Hyundai A-League as a 15-year-old, making his debut for Perth Glory against Sydney FC in 2013.
He made a big-money move to Serie A club Roma two-years later, while he’s also spent time at Dutch club Roda JC before returning to the Hyundai A-League last season to play for Central Coast Mariners,
He’s Sydney FC’s second signing from the Mariners this off-season – joining speedy winger Trent Buhagiar – with the club expected to announce a couple more new recruits in coming days.
