Duncan McGuire to return to Orlando City SC as Blackburn Rovers loan collapses

(Credit: Blackburn Rovers)

After an EFL Board meeting today, Duncan McGuire’s six-month loan move to Blackburn Rovers has now officially collapsed due to an ‘administrative error’ by the EFL Championship side. In other words, the move has fallen through because McGuire’s registration paperwork was submitted after England’s January transfer window deadline of 11pm back on Thursday, February 1. On Tuesday, Tom Bogert even went as far to tweet that Rovers only clicked “save” and not “submit paperwork” before the deadline in what is truly a farcical clerical error. Turning 23 on Monday, this has been no way to spend a birthday with McGuire now having to return to Orlando City SC with immediate effect.

This dramatic transfer saga peaked last Wednesday when McGuire took a flight to England, only for Rovers to call Orlando City SC and our striker’s agent to inform us that they were pulling out of a deal. McGuire then remained grounded in England as fellow suitors Sheffield Wednesday re-entered the race, only for Rovers to then remarkably re-enter negotiations themselves, finally announcing Duncan McGuire’s six-month loan arrival on social media at 23:02, minutes after the January transfer window deadline had passed.

Orlando City UK now understands that Blackburn will fly over to the United States over the coming weeks to try to conclude a pre-contract agreement with Orlando City SC, so that Duncan McGuire can officially become a Rovers player in the summer. Continue reading

Who is Orlando City SC transfer target Luis Muriel?

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Taking a temporary break from the dramatic transfer saga surrounding Duncan McGuire, there was a new name linked with a winter switch to Orlando City SC yesterday as the Lions reportedly line up a new striker to replace the 22-year-old.

Yesterday evening, Italian journalist and transfer expert Rudy Galetti tweeted that Orlando City SC are among the clubs “seriously interested” in signing Atalanta’s experienced Colombian international striker, Luis Muriel. Continue reading

Spezia reportedly in talks to sign Orlando City SC’s João Moutinho

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According to a Wednesday tweet from journalist Nicolò Schira, Italian Serie A side Spezia are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Orlando City SC left back João Moutinho.

João Moutinho is out of contract on December 31, 2022 and on Monday, Orlando City SC released their 2022 end-of-season roster update where it was mentioned Moutinho was “currently in discussions” about a potential 2023 return. Continue reading

Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC signing Alexandre Pato

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After the furore of loaning Daryl Dike to Barnsley, the next huge Orlando City SC headline has just taken place with the Lions announcing the signing of Alexandre Pato.

A free agent, the 31-year-old former Brazil international arrives at Exploria Stadium on a one-year deal after terminating his contract with São Paulo in August 2020. Continue reading

Orlando City SC reportedly make offer for former Chelsea striker

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According to respected soccer journalist César Luis Merlo, Orlando City SC have submitted a formal offer to sign former Brazilian international striker Alexandre Pato.

Currently a free agent after terminating his contract with São Paulo in August 2020, the 31-year-old could help fill the temporary void left by Daryl Dike‘s loan to Barnsley. Continue reading

AC Milan to replace Nocerino with Orlando City SC star?

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According to an Italian report emerging from TuttoMercatoWeb.com today, AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing Orlando City SC’s Colombian enforcer Cristian Higuita.

With Adrian Heath‘s Lions having of course signed Antonio Nocerino from the Rossoneri back in February, the Serie A giants are still on the lookout for his replacement. Continue reading

It’s official! Fans relieved as Orlando City SC sign Nocerino

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After months of speculation where this transfer rumour took the scenic route and then back again, Antonio Nocerino is now officially Orlando City SC’s latest signing.

The former Italian international joins Adrian Heath’s side from AC Milan but the Lions have now sealed the deal having traded Targeted Allocation Money and General Allocation Money with fellow MLS franchise D.C. United who held his exclusive discovery rights. Continue reading

Orlando City SC line up ex-Italian international as next signing?



With Mason Stajduhar, Kevin Alston and Joe Bendik already in the bag for Adrian Heath’s side, TuttoMercatoWeb are claiming Antonio Nocerino could be the next arrival at Orlando City SC this MLS off-season.

Currently at Serie A giants AC Milan, the 30-year-old former Italian international has made just a SINGLE start in the league so far this season while receiving just one other opportunity from the bench. Continue reading