Orlando City star Duncan McGuire opened up on his failed move to Blackburn Rovers as he admitted it would be difficult to return to the club.
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McGuire unsure of Blackburn moveOrlando City star frustrated by fiascoStriker has five goals in 2024Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
McGuire was all set to join Blackburn in a January move, but the deal fell apart in the final moments due to an "administration error". When filing the paperwork to complete the deal, Blackburn hit "save" and not "submit" on the documentation, causing them to miss the deadline despite both clubs announcing the completed deal.
Blackburn filed an appeal to the EFL Board of Directors in an attempt to push the deal across, but that appeal was ultimately denied. As a result, McGuire returned to Orlando City, having seen a dream move to England fall apart through no fault of his own.
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McGuire's move came after a breakout rookie campaign that saw him score 13 goals in his first professional season. He's scored five goals already this campaign in just 697 minutes.
Reports out of England have indicated that Blackburn are hoping to return for McGuire this summer, as the club remains interested in acquiring his services. The club will remain in the Championship next season after finishing 19th in the league.
McGuire, meanwhile, isn't fully interested in a move, as he told GOAL's Studs Up show that he would need convincing after this winter's fiasco.
USA Today Sports WHAT MCGUIRE SAID
"It's tough to say," McGuire told GOAL."That was a pretty bad mistake, a pretty bad mistake by them. I'd be open to maybe having a conversation but it would have to be a lot to get me to go back there. On the plane ride back, I just felt like my tail was between my legs. I asked my agent how often this happens and he was like 'This doesn't happen'.
"I didn't burn bridges with my teammates or have it be like 'Oh you wanted to leave and now you're back'. When I got back, it was like I never left."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MCGUIRE?
The striker will continue on with Orlando City, with the Lions set to face Inter Miami on Wednesday night. McGuire is also set to be a key figure for the U.S. U-23 men's national team later this summer as he's expected to be in the mix to start at the Olympics.