Daniel De Silva has finally secured his exit from the Central Coast Mariners by joining A-League rivals Sydney FC on loan for the upcoming season.
De Silva becomes the first player to use the competition’s new mechanism that allows players under the age of 23 to be loaned between A-League clubs.
The attacking midfielder – who has three years to run on his Mariners contract – was determined to leave Gosford and now has been granted his wish, after several weeks of protracted negotiations.
Professional Footballers Australia had been engaged to help facilitate De Silva’s departure with his circumstances complicated by the fact he is also tied to Italian club Roma.
The Mariners were adamant they would not release him for free to a rival club while transfer fees between A-League clubs are prohibited – but the new loan rules, which were rubber-stamped on Tuesday, have enabled a compromise.
There is a catch for the Sky Blues with the 21-year-old unable to play against Central Coast for the duration of the loan deal.
“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,” De Silva said.
He burst onto the scene as a 15-year old making his A-League debut for Perth Glory and transferred to Roma two years later.
However, he has never played for the Serie A outfit and was immediately sent out on loan to Dutch side Roda JC.
“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.”
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