Man City forward set to be depart WSL with move to newly formed team

Newly formed National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) side Bay FC are edging closer to an agreement to sign Manchester City star Deyna Castellanos.

As reported earlier in the week, the Venezuelan forward is expected to depart the club this January and has had several clubs from outside of the Women's Super League (WSL) show an interest in her services but ManchesterWorld understands it is American outfit Bay FC who appear to have won the race.

The 24-year-old joined City in the summer of 2022, arriving from Atlético Madrid and featured in 19 games for the WSL club, scoring one goal as they finished the season outside of the European places. However, this season Castellanos has struggled for game time, appearing in just five league games.

With her availability becoming clear, it is believed a number of teams made enquiries for the forward, including her former club Atlético and an unknown Italian club, though it appears a move to America is edging closer to completion with City earning a fee expected to be around £70k.

Newly formed, Bay FC are set to play in the NWSL as an expansion team in the 2024 season this coming March and have already added the likes of young Mexican star Scarlett Camberos and striker Rachel Hill to their roster for the upcoming campaign. Former Washington Spirit interim boss Albertin Montoya has been handed the task of coaching the side.

Castellanos' departure may see head coach Gareth Taylor delve into the transfer market this January, though it is thought a deal for rumoured target Denise O'Sullivan could prove to be difficult.

The 109 cap Republic Of Ireland star has interest from both City and Aston Villa but NWSL outfit North Carolina Courage are looking for a fee and, with O'Sullivan's contract expiring at the end of the season, both clubs are prepared to remain patient. There's also a possibility the 29-year-old wants to remain in America, where she is a key player for the club.