There is some huge breaking news today as Rita Keszthelyi, one of the best players of the last decade, has announced that she will joining Spanish side CN Mataro.
Keszthelyi, 30, made the announcement via social media this morning. She has spent the last eight years at the Budapest-based club; winning seven OB I national titles, as well a numerous Hungarian Cups, and the LEN Trophy in 2017.
While UVSE was her first club, Keszthelyi has played for a number of top teams including; Szentes (2013/14 title), Dunaujvaros (two national titles 2009/10 & 2010/11), Eger (2012/13 title) and Orizzonte Catania in Italy.
Keszthelyi has also been a leading figure for the Hungarian national team since 2008, captaining the national team to a Gold medal at the 2016 European Championships and finishing that tournament as the top goal-scorer with 23 goals. Amongst other significant medals, Keszthelyi finally helped the national team secure an Olympic Bronze medal in Tokyo – in the very same match she marked her 300th appearance for the senior national team.
In her brief statement on Instagram, Keszthelyi said:
“I would like to announce that from the next season, I will play for CN Mataro. I am thankful for my team, UVSE, to understand my decision. A new challenge is waiting for me, where I hope I can prove myself for my new team.”
There is no doubt this will likely be the biggest women’s transfer story of the summer. Keszthelyi, an eight-time Hungarian player of the year, will be hugely missed in her native land, and UVSE will certainly have a hard task replacing a player of her quality. UVSE are not expected to make any big signings, meaning some of their younger players from their academy will have to fill the void left by Keszthelyi.
On the other hand, Keszthelyi is as big a player as Mataro could hope to sign this window. With a number of clubs interested in the signing, its Dani Ballart’s team (who will be mounting a serious title challenge this season) who were the team of choice for Keszthelyi. Having already signed Silvia Avegno from SIS Roma, another prolific goal-scorer, Mataro look seriously strong for next season.
Read more on the Women’s Transfer Hub
