Duncan McGuire, a striker for the United States national team, has been loaned by Orlando City SC to Blackburn Rovers of the English Championship, the club announced on Thursday.
First-round selection McGuire (selected sixth overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft) is out on loan for six months with a buyout option.
Orlando’s general manager and executive vice president of soccer operations, Luiz Muzzi, stated in a statement, “This situation with Duncan was no different. It has always been very important for our club to find and provide the best opportunities for players to continue making strides in their career.” “… We are anticipating I’m looking forward to him making the most of his time with Blackburn and supporting him virtually.
After going pro out of Creighton University, the 23-year-old is coming off a great rookie season in which he finished with 15 goals and 3 assists in 37 games across all competitions. Due to his success, McGuire was able to make his USMNT debut against Slovenia in a friendly last month and build momentum for a possible appearance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Due to McGuire’s quick ascent, Orlando felt at ease sending Ercan Kara, a DP striker at the time, to the Turkish Süper Lig last summer. That faith was well placed, as McGuire led them to a record-breaking campaign, placing second in the Supporters’ Shield competition and earning a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Orlando is now set up to sign a new striker who will start at the top of the line when the 2024 MLS season begins. Alongside outstanding wingers Facundo Torres and Martín Ojeda, they have an open DP spot.
“I am incredibly thrilled to have the chance to challenge myself elsewhere. Without the help of my teammates, coaches, and the Orlando City front office, I am certain that I would not have this opportunity,” McGuire remarked. “I was hoping to make my way out of college soccer just a year ago, and I think I’ve taken advantage of all the opportunities that have come my way during this time.”
McGuire is the most recent MLS success story from college soccer in Orlando, following the overseas moves of Daryl Dike and Cyle Larin, two forwards. In January 2018, Larin—the all-time top scorer in Canada—moved to Beşiktaş, a Turkish powerhouse, for an unknown sum. In January 2022, Dike, an injured American international, was sent to West Bromwich Albion in England for a reported base price of $9.5 million.
Additionally, McGuire joins Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Haji Wright (Coventry City), and Dike (West Brom) as USMNT strikers in the Championship. Blackburn is eight points clear of the relegation zone in 18th place.