Espanyol’s Felipe Caicedo has seen his move to Lazio collapse as it has emerged he does not hold a valid EU passport, say reports.
According to Diario AS, the Ecuadorian gained Spanish citizenship in September 2015 through his marriage to model Maria Garcia but this is not recognised outside of Spain.
“[His Spanish citizenship] isn’t recognised by the rest of Europe. His only valid passport is his Ecuadorian,” the report cites Espanyol as stating.
This latest development could reignite interest from newly-promoted Girona in the striker, although wages may yet prove a stumbling block.
Lazio have already filled their quota of two, non-EU players for Italian competitions.
Having had spells at Manchester City, Malaga, Sporting CP, Basel, Lokomotiv Moscow and Levante only netted twice in 27 league appearances for Espanyol last season.