Manchester City Women have signed striker, Deyna Castellanos on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid on a three-year contract.
Castellanos began her career in her native country, Venezuela playing for Escuela de Futbol Juan Arango before she moved across to USA to attend University, where she played for Florida State Seminoles with 48 goals in 82 appearances.
The now 23-year-old’s performances consequently caught the eyes of the media and particularly FIFA, who nominated her alongside two footballing icons in Carli Lloyd and Lieke Martens for 2017 FIFA Best Women Player of the Year award.
Castellanos however waited until 2020 before joining a professional club as she opted to join Spain’s Atletico Madrid, where she scored 23 goals in 58 appearances across all competitions in two-and-a-half years and helped the team win 2020-21 Supercopa de Espana Femenina.
Explaining her decision to move to Man City and play in English Football, Castellanos commented: “I’m very happy to be a Manchester City player – it is a huge move for myself in my career and I can’t wait for it to begin.
“Looking around at all the facilities here, it is just amazing – I believe that this Club will help to improve me as a player, and I hope that I can help Manchester City too.”
Castellanos also added that the club’s playing style played a role in her move as she added: “The style of football that the team play was very attractive to me and I feel as though I can fit in very well here, whilst also being challenged to develop and grow.”
City have confirmed that Castellanos will wear the No.10 shirt for sentimental reasons as she explained: “I have chosen the No.10 shirt too as I played with that number in college and scored some great goals wearing it, so hopefully I will be able to create many more good memories with it here at City.”
Head Coach, Gareth Taylor is “thrilled” to welcome Castellanos to City following an extensive period of scouting in recent months.
Taylor went on to describe the 23 year-old as “an incredibly exciting player” who “has a real hunger and desire to be highly successful on the pitch”, with Taylor excited to begin working with her within the coming months.
Castellanos will officially complete her move on 1 July 2022 following expiry of her contract at Atletico Madrid.
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