Orlando City striker Duncan McGuire’s proposed move to Blackburn Rovers reportedly collapsed because the Championship club clicked the wrong button when attempting to submit paperwork.
McGuire’s dramatic transfer saga began when he first took a flight to England on Wednesday, only for Blackburn to call Orlando and the striker’s agent to inform them that they had pulled out of the deal.
Rather than turning the plane around, McGuire still flew to England and stayed in his hotel while other teams attempted to secure a deadline-day deal for his services.
Blackburn later re-entered talks and were poised to sign McGuire on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.
The Championship club issued a statement on Tuesday to confirm the EFL has not approved the deal, due to registration documents being submitted after the 11pm transfer deadline.
Blackburn confirmed Duncan McGuire’s transfer has not been approved by the EFL
The Championship club reportedly saved instead of submitted paperwork before the 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,’ a club statement read.
‘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.’
According to The Athletic, Blackburn thought they had clicked ‘submit paperwork’ but instead had only clicked ‘save’.
The club reportedly then only realised the error after the transfer window had closed.
Blackburn still remain hopeful of securing a deal for the United States international, with the club having submitted an appeal to the EFL.
‘The club’s lawyers have prepared the required papers and sent to the EFL Board, who will consider the case on Thursday February 8th,’ Blackburn said.
The EFL are set to rule on McGuire’s transfer on Thursday after Blackburn lodged an appeal
‘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.’
Blackburn had previously failed to submit paperwork on time to sign midfielder Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest in January 2023. The EFL rejected Rovers appeal on that occasion.
McGuire, a 22-year-old forward, scored 15 goals in all competitions for Orlando City last season.
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