Danny Szetela

[Scottish Mag 3]

From nufc.com

 

An interesting story has emerged from the other side of the Atlantic which although remaining unconfirmed, contains more detail than would normally be expected from an invented tale:

 

From the Goal website:

 

Columbus Crew and U.S. U20 midfielder Danny Szetela has rejected a four-year deal to join Italian Serie A side Roma before the close of the summer transfer window.

 

Instead, the 20-year-old New Jersey native has entered into an agreement to join Newcastle of the English Premier League on January 1.

 

The news means Szetela will remain with the Columbus through the end of the 2007 season.

 

The team is currently in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, and one point behind the Colorado Rapids in the race for the final playoff spot.

 

Ever since Szetela put in a head-turning performance at this summer’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup, several European clubs have been chasing his signature.

 

Rumors of a move to EPL club Everton were unfounded, according to sources, but both Roma and crosstown rivals Lazio were reportedly in the running to secure his services.

 

Szetela has made 34 appearances since joining Columbus in 2004 as a 17 year old on the strength of a fine display at the 2003 U-17 World Cup in Finland. Standing at 5’11” (1.80 m), 175-pound (79 kg), he can provide a strong presence in the middle of the park, distribute well, and is capable of joining the attack when the opportunity presents itself, as evidenced by his three goals in this summer’s U-20 World Cup.

 

His MLS career has not been as stellar. To date, he has not scored a goal for the Black & Gold and posted only three assists in four years. But he has been plagued with injuries, including a broken left foot, a sprained right knee, and a concussion. In 2006, he saw action in only 4 matches due to injuries.

 

The terms or length of the Newcastle deal were not divulged.

[Besty 4]

Had him on me Fulham game on FM. Seems average on there but that means nowt.

[Dr Gloom 22515]

Had him on me Fulham game on FM. Seems average on there but that means nowt.

[Dr Gloom 22515]

Had him on me Fulham game on FM. Seems average on there but that means nowt.

 

shut up man. we can take fm as fact.

Edited August 31, 2007 by Dr Gloom

[spongebob toonpants 4183]

I would have preferred his brother "Alka"

[Besty 4]

On August 7, 2007, it was thought that Szetela would be signing with Italian Serie A club A.S. Roma during the January transfer window, after the conclusion of the 2007 Major League Soccer season. However it was reported on August 30, 2007, that Szetela had turned down the offer from Roma and was due to join Newcastle United in the January transfer window, this has yet to be confirmed.

 

On wikipedia already.

[ewerk 31587]

His MLS career has not been as stellar. To date, he has not scored a goal for the Black & Gold and posted only three assists in four years. But he has been plagued with injuries, including a broken left foot, a sprained right knee, and a concussion. In 2006, he saw action in only 4 matches due to injuries.

 

[Tom 14021]

He only turned down Roma because it's easier to come to an English speaking country if this is true IMO

[Zathras 296]

I've never been impressed by him based largely on his MLS career. Yeah, he's had injuries but even when he was playing he was disappointing. Although partly that might have been playing for such a shitty club (Columbus.) The Crew have gotten better over the last year and a half and his playing time has gone down over that period. However he looked terrific at the U20's and so perhaps he just hasn't fit in at that club. It might be worth noting that there have been a number of mediocre (or worse) MLS players who have gone on to perform at least servicably in the Premier League.

[Zathras 296]

From a reporter from over here who is usually reliable, but is also known to be particularly less reliable when it comes to Szetela in particular:

 

Danny Szetela has not signed with Roma, Brescia or even new player Newcastle United. At least not yet.

 

Conflicting reports have the Clifton-born midfielder headed to everywhere from Rome to England but as of early this evening Szetela has yet to sign a deal with anybody. Sources close to Szetela insist that the Columbus Crew midfielder has yet to decide where he will move to next, but will decide by early tomorrow.

 

One source told SBI that Szetela has rejected the Italian suitors in favor of a move to Newcastle United, but a source close to Szetela insists that he hasn't signed a thing yet. The same source also denied rumors that Szetela was in Italy to broker his move to Roma.

 

A move to Italy looks the least likely at this point, with a potential move to Roma all but dead. Roma had negotiated a transfer with MLS in the $150K to $200K range but that deal fell apart after Szetela parted ways with his agent at the time.

 

Brescia's last-ditch approach fell short of the mark, even after Brescia attempted to enter into a co-ownership agreement with Roma. That move looks like the last good chance Szetela had of leaving MLS during the summer window.

 

Now, it appears as if Szetela will sign a pre-contract and leave MLS this winter, which means he will have to spend the next two to three months with the Columbus Crew, where he has fallen back out of favor after playing well upon returning from the Under-20 World Cup.

 

So right now Szetela is in Columbus mulling offers from England, Italy and Spain and the 20-year-old will make a decision either tonight or early tomorrow.

 

I'll offer more details as they become available. Where do I think he will end up? He always wanted to go to England so I think he could wind up passing up a better deal in Italy to fulfill that dream with Newcastle.

 

Perhaps he's signed with Willie McKay?

Edited August 31, 2007 by Zathras

[Zathras 296]

If anyone cares, he's signed for Racing Santander. I think it's a terrific move for the player, even if Sam might have gotten some good performances out of him. I think the Spanish League is a really good place for him.