The Portland Thorns sign Deyna Castellanos
Deyna Castellanos joins the Portland Thorns and reunites with former Bay FC General Manager, Lucy Rushton.
Yesterday, Bay FC announced that they mutually agreed to a buyout with Deyna Castellanos which allowed her to enter free agency.
“We’re thankful to Deyna for her time with Bay FC and her impact on the club in our first season,” said Bay FC Sporting Director Matt Potter. “We wish her all the best as she continues her career.”
At the time of her signing, Castellanos joined (transfer from Manchester City) Bay FC as the highest paid foreign player in the NWSL, according to ESPN’s Cesar Hernandez - the deal was for four years with $1.8 million guaranteed. Her salary was also in the top 10 for the league.
In 25 matches (12 starts), she scored two goals and recorded one assist. She saw her playing time decrease steadily as the season progressed.
Who brought her to the NWSL?
Lucy Rushton made three massive signings during her time as Bay FC general manger: Asisat Oshoala, Racheal Kundananji, and Deyna Castellanos. Rushton, is now the special advisor to new Portland Thorns President and GM, Jeff Agoos.
Now, Castellanos had the choice between the NWSL or to go abroad.
Deyna Castellanos is signing with the Portland Thorns, as reported by Annie M. Peterson from the Associated Press and Sandra Herrera from CBS Sports
Castellanos has chosen the Rose City and signed a two-year contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027.
“For me, obviously Portland was one of the biggest options. I’m very thrilled to be part of the club now, and make it official,” she told The Associated Press ahead of the Thorns’ formal announcement. “So for me it’s very exciting, it’s new beginnings so I’m really, really looking forward to come here and shine.”
Although the fit is a bit unclear as she prefers to play the 10. Portland already has a logjam at that position with Olivia Moultrie and Hina Sugita both capable. The team rarely plays with four in the midfield or a traditional 10, so really only leaves somewhere on the frontline… at winger. Additionally, Castellanos is listed as a forward on the roster.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Deyna to the Thorns, she is a player who has qualities we feel we can continue to develop and enhance within our program,” said coach Rob Gale in the Portland Thorns club statement. “We are excited to challenge her in this next stage of her career and have her join in our club ambitions.”
Depending on the salary, this seems to be a worthwhile risk taken by the Portland Thorns. If Castellanos can reach her potential, it would be massive.
What are your thoughts on the signing?
Off Field Excellence
NBC NEWS: Women's soccer star Deyna Castellanos says college in the U.S. changed her life — and she's paying it forward | Read more here from Albinson Linares of NBC
Inspired by her academic and sports career in the United States, Castellanos and her team created the Queen Deyna Program: The Legacy - a foundation that seeks to empower girls and young women through sports and education” - NBC
“Obviously, it is more focused on helping girls from Venezuela, but we have European, African, Latin players. ... The truth is that it is a great pride for me,” she said as she delved into the goals of this project.
I see Michelle Betos has retired. God love ya, Michelle, great career.
Between the pipes for PTFC our first ever Thorns match, back in the day. And who can forget her goal?
https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nwsl/2025/01/24/portland-thorns-sign-castellanos-following-bay-fc-departure/77930018007/ (which, btw, links to a removed press release on the Thorns site lmao)
Castellanos said she had several options when it came to finding a new club, but said the Thorns stood out in part because of the atmosphere at Providence Park.
"The fans in Portland, for me, that was unbelievable," she said. "It was amazing. The vibe, how everything was shaking because it's so loud. It was amazing."
WE STILL GOT IT BABY