DERRY CITY: Kenny Shiels clarifies Barcelona midfielder's transfer glitch

Delgado completed a pre-season campaign at Brandywell, playing in games against Coleraine and Glentoran and, according to Shiels, the 22 year-old Spaniard was on the verge of completing a deal last January but his registration was never completed.

However, the Barcelona born midfielder was unveiled as a new Derry City signing alongside Danish right-back, Niclas Vemmelund at the Foyle Arena at St Columb’s Park on Monday, January 11th.

But it’s now emerged that although Delgado had completed all the necessary formalities and was expected to complete a move as a free agent, the transfer fell through following several ‘hitches in the paperwork’.

“He hasn’t signed the forms so he’s simply not a signed Derry player,” maintained Shiels. “There were a few hitches which meant we couldn’t sign him at the time but that’s all I can say on the matter.”

It’s believed several of Delgado’s former clubs in Spain would have been entitled to compensation as part of FIFA’s Under-23 ‘Training Compensation’ ruling with the ‘Candy Stripes liable to pay E60,000 per annum.

Indeed, if the player was to sign a professional contract before turning 23, any club to which he was affiliated between the ages of 12 and 21 would be entitled to a sum for each year of training they provided.

The Catalan previously had spells with UE Sant Ildefons, CFA Espluguenc and Fontsanta Fatjó before coming to Ireland.

Derry boss, Shiels refused to be drawn on whether the club will re-ignite their interest next July as the player turns 23 in June.