Brayan Medina will not be moving to England after interest from Wolves, Birmingham City and Southampton.
The Tondela defender had attracted attention from all three clubs during the final stages of the window. Wolves had even been reported to be leading the talks over a deal.
That route has now been closed for a reason which has nothing to do with negotiations or Tondela’s demands.
According to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, Medina has failed to meet the points requirement needed to play in England.
Work permit rules block Medina move
Sierra says Championship clubs wanted the 24-year-old, but the transfer has fallen through because of the UK’s points-based system for foreign players. That explains why the interest hasn’t developed into a deadline-day transfer.
Medina is Colombian and currently plays for Tondela in Portugal. A move to England therefore requires him to qualify for a Governing Body Endorsement under the FA’s rules.
Players can collect points through several criteria. Those include international appearances, domestic minutes, the level of their league and their club’s performances.
There are also routes available for some players who don’t automatically reach the required total. In Medina’s case, Sierra’s information makes clear the necessary requirements haven’t been met.
That effectively takes the decision out of the interested clubs’ hands.
Tondela looking elsewhere
It also explains why Wolves’ pursuit has gone quiet after reports in Portugal suggested negotiations were underway.
Medina had missed a Tondela match during that period, although he continued training normally with the club.
At some point, Tondela have started looking at other possibilities for Medina. Turkey and Saudi Arabia are being considered as potential destinations before their respective windows close.
There is one important condition though. Tondela are only interested in selling Medina, so a loan exit isn’t currently on the table.
For the English clubs, though, the situation appears settled. Whatever interest they had in the 1.95m left-footed centre-back, the work permit requirements mean a deal can’t be completed.
