- Blackburn confirmed that the EFL have not approved McGuire’s transfer to the club
- The Championship side said the EFL will make a final ruling on Thursday
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Orlando City striker Duncan McGuire’s proposed move to Blackburn Rovers reportedly fell through because the Championship club clicked the wrong button when they tried to submit paperwork.
McGuire’s dramatic transfer saga began when he took his first flight to England on Wednesday, after which Blackburn called Orlando and the striker’s agent to inform them they had pulled out of the deal.
Instead of turning the plane around, McGuire flew to England anyway and stayed in his hotel while other teams tried to secure a deadline-day deal for his services.
Blackburn later resumed talks and were close to signing McGuire on an initial loan deal with an option to buy.
The Championship club issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the EFL had not approved the deal registration documents submitted after the 11:00 PM transfer deadline.
Blackburn confirmed that Duncan McGuire’s transfer has not been approved by the EFL
The Championship club reportedly saved rather than submitted the paperwork before the deadline
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“All necessary signed paperwork was completed by 10pm on Thursday, February 1, but due to an administrative error the forms were not processed within the prescribed time,” a statement from the club said.
“Detailed discussions have taken place in recent days with legal representatives and the relevant football authorities to try to reach an urgent and positive resolution to the matter.”
According to The AthleticsBlackburn thought they had clicked “submit paperwork” but instead had only clicked “save.”
The club reportedly only realized the mistake after the transfer window closed.
Blackburn still remain hopeful of securing a deal for the US international, with the club having lodged an appeal with the EFL.
“The club’s lawyers have prepared the required paperwork and sent it to the EFL board, who will hear the matter on Thursday, February 8,” Blackburn said.
The EFL will decide on McGuire’s transfer on Thursday after Blackburn appealed
Orlando City have allowed Duncan McGuire to remain in Britain pending the EFL board’s decision. He will return to the United States where he will rejoin his club before the start of the 2024 MLS season should his registration not be approved.
‘Should the appeal be rejected, Blackburn Rovers will attempt to reach a pre-contractual agreement with Orlando City in the coming weeks to allow the player to officially join the club on a permanent basis when the 2024 summer transfer window opens.’
Blackburn previously failed to submit the paperwork in 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.