Real Madrid lose out on top women’s prospect to rivals Atletico

At one point, it looked like Real Madrid/CD Tacon were the favorites to sign top prospect Deynas Castellanos, but the former Florida State standout has chosen to sign with Atletico Madrid.

Deyna Castellanos had been linked closely with three biggest clubs in Spanish football over the past couple of months, and while Real Madrid’s women’s team, which is still CD Tacon until the start of the 2020-2021 season when the transition is complete, is in the process of rebuilding, Madridistas were optimistic.

She recently had a meeting with Los Blancos in Madrid, so it seemed like the club were in a good position heading into the January transfer market.

Although Castellanos has chosen to play her professional football in Madrid for the forseeable future, she will star for crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid.

Los Rojiblancos made the move official on Thursday.

It’s a huge signing for Atletico, who lost a top forward this summer to rivals FC Barcelona in Jenni Hermoso. Atletico and Barcelona are Liga Iberdrola’s two powerhouse clubs, while CD Tacon are slowly making progress.

Real Madrid have a few Galacticas in Sofia Jakobsson, Kosovare Asllani, and future breakout superstar Chioma Ubogagu, but they could use more stars. Tacon’s biggest weaknesses are in defense, though they have unearthed a quality veteran center back in Osinachi Ohale.

Florentino Perez will have to make aggressive signings next summer in order for Real Madrid to compete with their rivals in the Spanish top flight, because they are playing catch-up after frustratingly being so late to the women’s game.

As for Castellanos, she is a wonderful player with a world of potential. The 20-year-old made a name for herself as a Puskas nominee a couple of years ago and once scored 35 games in 39 appearances for the Venezuela U17 national team. She is one of the most hyped prospects in world football, so Atletico have landed an exciting player.

Heading into 2020’s first games, Atleti are second in Liga Iberdrola, with five points between them and league leaders Barca. Meanwhile, Tacon are in 11th and will look to ascend the table in the second half of the season after overcoming a rocky first couple of months in the top flight.