Porto striker Samu Omorodion, who came close to joining Chelsea in the summer, believes forces beyond his control thwarted a move to Stamford Bridge.
The 20-year-old had long been expected to compete the £34million transfer from Atletico Marid, with there being an agreement in place before the deal fell through amid concerns over an ankle injury.
Omorodion instead moved to Portuguese giants Porto and has made a great start to life with the club, scoring seven goals in as many games, including a brace in a 3-3 draw with Manchester United.
The Spain Under-21 star opened up on his failed move to west London and revealed his belief that linking up with Enzo Maresca's side last summer simply wasn't in God's plan.
'I had a very difficult summer.' He told Spanish outlet RTVE. 'We had a really bad time because in the end everyone knows that I was close to signing, but it's true that if it didn't happen, it was for a reason, because God didn't want it.
Porto striker Samu Omorodion believes that it was not in god's plan for him to join Chelsea this summer
'I'm also very grateful to Porto for giving me the opportunity when things looked at their worst, and I'm very happy with where I am now. I've left the past behind and now I'm focused on what's coming to me.'
The 6ft 4ins striker was born to Nigerian parents, moving to Seville from Melilla at a young age. He played for Sevilla and Nervion at youth level, before joining up with Grenada in 2021 making his debut for the reserve team in March the following year at the age of 17.
He has featured for Spain at Under-19 level, first called up in April 2023, going onto play in the 2023 U-19 Euros, where his side lost in the semi-finals.
He is now a regular with the Under-21s and will have his sights set on the senior team. With Luis De la Fuente bringing youth through - the likes of Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal - the opportunity is there if he can prove his value.