USMNT prospect Duncan McGuire saw his transfer to Blackburn Rovers collapse, but a last-ditch attempt could salvage his transatlantic move.
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McGuire's move to Blackburn collapsesClub unable to sign him due to 'admin error'Rovers' lawyers & EFL board set to meetWHAT HAPPENED?
Blackburn had initially confirmed the loan signing of the Orlando City striker, but due to an 'administrative error', Rovers were not able to make the deal official. Now, after trying everything in their power, the club has brought lawyers to the table to work with the EFL board over securing the move. A deadline has now been set for this Thursday.
A report from The Athletic, however, has since revealed the reasoning behind the error – and one has to feel for McGuire. Apparently, the club only hit 'save' on his paperwork, never pressing 'submit' and it was not noticed until after the deadline passed.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT BLACKBURN SAID
In a statement, Blackburn said: "Duncan McGuire’s proposed loan move to Blackburn Rovers from MLS side Orlando City has not been approved by the EFL to date due to the registration documents being submitted after the 11pm transfer deadline.
"All of the necessary signed paperwork had been completed prior to 10pm on Thursday February 1st, however due to an administrative error, the forms were not processed within the prescribed time.
"Detailed discussions with legal representatives and the relevant football authorities have taken place over the past few days to try to reach an urgent and positive resolution to the matter. The club’s lawyers have prepared the required papers and sent to the EFL Board, who will consider the case on Thursday February 8th.
"Orlando City have allowed Duncan McGuire to remain in the UK, pending the EFL Board’s decision. He will return to the United States, where he will re-join his club ahead of the start of the 2024 MLS season, should his registration not be approved.
"Should the appeal be refused then Blackburn Rovers will attempt to reach a pre-contract agreement with Orlando City over the coming weeks to enable the player to officially join the club on a permanent basis when the 2024 summer transfer window opens. The club will make no further comment on the matter at this time."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
McGuire is one of the hottest in-country players at the moment for the USA, with the 2023 MLS Rookie of the Year the subject of transfer rumours all January. He net 15 goals in his debut season, and is now in pole position for a role in the US Under-23 Olympic squad this summer at the Olympic Games. If his move to England does go through, it will only help his case for a starting role. However, he's surely in the mix regardless, especially with the clinical form he presented last campaign.
Now, though, it's a waiting game to determine his next steps.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MCGUIRE, ORLANDO CITY AND BLACKBURN
The Championship side will anxiously be waiting until Thursday's appeal goes through, but until then, both clubs will go about their business accordingly. However, if no deal does go through, come the summer window, they're set to revisit the negotiation table.