Before Chelsea completed a deal to sign Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, they were very keen on bringing in his former teammate, Endrick.
The striker reportedly met Thiago Silva when he looked set to leave the Brazilian side, however ended up joining Real Madrid instead.
Since then, the wonderkid has failed to live up to the hype in Spain, and may be regretting his decision to aim right for the very top so early in his career.
The Blues quickly turned their attention to beating their elite rivals to Estevao, and his very strong start to life in the Premier League suggests that they made the right decision in doing so.
Endrick looks on during Getafe CF v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports
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Chelsea still see Endrick as ‘outstanding talent’
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that while the Blues did have interest in Endrick before Estevao, they were far more set on signing the winger when they agreed a deal with Palmeiras.
He also stated that the Blues see Endrick as an ‘outstanding talent’, however at this point they are more than happy with the Brazilian talent they have already signed.
He said: “Chelsea tried hard for Endrick, but I am told they never went as far as they did for Estevao.
“But that isn’t to say Chelsea did and don’t rate Endrick, they do – they think he is an outstanding talent, but his mind was set on Madrid but Chelsea were never as firmly in on him than with Estevao, they were not going to be beaten to him under any circumstances.
“Are Chelsea relieved about Endrick? That isn’t something that they aren’t saying at all – clearly everyone can see that the move hasn’t worked out to date – so I guess the club don’t need to say anything.
“Personally, Endrick could yet come good, he is a talent – but Estevao is so far ahead of him, Chelsea for sure knew what they were doing with him.”
Chelsea wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian hugging
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Chelsea continuing to push on youth crusade
Despite already capturing Estevao, there are plenty more young talents tipped for big things who are set to arrive at Stamford Bridge.
Kendry Paez is enjoying a very successful loan spell at Strasbourg, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Andrey Santos there from last season.
Geovany Quenda is another player set to join at the end of the campaign, with him continuing to star for Sporting Lisbon in the league and Champions League.
Talents like Mike Penders, Dastan Satpaev and Mamadou Sarr will all have their moments too, as the future of the club continues to look extremely bright.