Deadline-day transfers are often a race against time where clubs pull off some last-minute reinforcements. However, final-day transfer deals do not always go as planned.
The process is not as straightforward as it may seem, involving complicated paperwork and other legal formalities. Similarly, in this January transfer window, another bizarre story with the move of Duncan McGuire to England fell through due to a backend error.
Administrative error ruins Duncan McGuire’s transfer move
The winter transfer window must have been an experience Duncan McGuire would prefer to forget, as the player found himself tangled in a web of uncertainty due to complications he faced, which eventually derailed his opportunity to join Blackburn Rovers and play in the English second division, the EFL Championship.
The Orlando City striker left the pre-season to complete his move to the Rovers following an agreement for a loan spell. Unfortunately, due to an administrative mishap, the deal was canceled after the club failed to submit the necessary paperwork before the deadline.
Reportedly, the club failed to submit McGuire’s transfer paperwork into the system to finalize the deal. They mistakenly clicked saved instead of submit during the final minutes of the January transfer window, on February 1st.
Moreover, the 23-year-old striker had completed all formalities from his side and had even been in England for the past week, along with his agent in the hope of making his European debut.
Rovers’ USMNT forward deal appeal was rejected
Blackburn Rovers had even filed an appeal to The English Football League (EFL) to sign Duncan McGuire on an initial loan move to make it permanent in the summer, after failing to submit his application in time. However, the EFL officially dismissed the appeal.
In their official statement, the club briefed, “The EFL Board, in a meeting that took place earlier today, has decided to maintain the EFL Executive’s decision to deny Rovers’ request to register the USA international.” providing an update.
After the deal failed, the forward returned to Orlando to continue with the upcoming MLS 2024 season. Duncan, who was drafted by the club in December 2022, is under contract at Inter&Co Stadium until December 2024.
The forward had an outstanding debut campaign with the Lions, scoring 13 goals and adding three assists. His total involvement in 18 goals across all competitions caught the eye of European clubs. Furthermore, he recently received his first cap for the US Men’s National Team, marking a significant milestone in his career.
What are your thoughts on Duncan McGuire’s future?
