Chelsea certainly did everything they could when trying to persuade Brazilian wonderkid Endrick to join them.
The 16-year-old has since put pen-to-paper on a deal with Real Madrid, signing a contract until 2027, with the option of an extra three years.
Endrick will not join Los Blancos until he turns 18, though, due to rules in Brazil prohibiting underaged players from going abroad.
It means the forward will have to wait until 2024 to officially move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Chelsea certainly put up a fight and were hopeful of securing the talented teenager, to the point where they hosted him and his family at the clubs Cobham training ground.
Reports claim Endrick and his father Douglas Sousa were among those in attendance, and the Palmeiras starlet was introduced to compatriot Silva – a man 22 years his senior.
The player, though, had his heart set on a move to Real Madrid and was keen on following in the footsteps of Vinicius Jr, who previously made the move to the Spanish capital.
Endrick's agents also look after the business of compatriot Vinicius Jr, who has now become one of Real's star players, after sealing a switch from Flamengo.
The deal is estimated to have cost Real £60million for the Brazil Under-20 international.
Los Blancos have confirmed Endrick won't be joining them for another two years, and instead will continue in his homeland.
“Real Madrid CF, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Endrick and his family have reached an agreement whereby the player will be able to join Real Madrid when he comes of age in July 2024,” read a statement.
“Until then, Endrick will continue his training at the SE Palmeiras. The player will travel to Madrid in the coming days to visit our club's facilities.”
Endrick has netted 12 goals and contributed one assist in 21 appearances in all competitions this past season.
The forward, who was also linked with Manchester United and City, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, has also registered five goals in four appearances with the Brazil Under-17s.