So is Brendan Rodgers someone to hold a grudge?
Because if Liverpool are to finally land Danilo Barbosa, it'll mean Rodgers doing business with the man who beat him to the Brazilian's signing two years ago: Jorge Mendes.
Under the guidance of SC Braga coach Sergio Conceicao this season, Danilo, at 19 years of age, has emerged as one of the best performing midfielders in Portugal. In Spain, they're likening him to Barcelona's World Cup winner Sergi Busquets. While in Italy, Juventus have come forward to ask about the prospect of taking the teen to Turin in the summer.
Looking on, it must be frustrating for Rodgers.
The Liverpool manager was the first to spot Danilo's potential at the Toulon Tournament of 2013. It was he and Liverpool who first made contact with Vasco da Gama and tabled a firm cash offer of €3.5 million, rising to €4.5 million based on the then 17 year-old's progress.
Vasco, with the need to cover staff wages and other debts, were tempted. But then in stepped Mendes and his Gestifute company.
The Portuguese super agent matched Liverpool's offer - right up to the €4.5 million - and was happy to pay it all up front. Vasco went back to Liverpool seeking a counter proposal, but the Reds board wouldn't budge and so Danilo joined Mendes' stable.
Just months later, having turned 18, the youngster was on his way to SC Braga.
Mendes couldn't have selected a better stage for Danilo to perform. Under Conceicao's management, the teen's development has accelerated, with Brazilian U20 coaching staff amazed by the midfielder's progress.
A source close to the U20 World Cup squad told tribalfootball.com: "There's a lot of room for improvement. But he is developing tactically and also physically. He's now much more aggressive thanks to working with Conceicao.
"Danilo is a very intelligent and dynamic player."
Earlier this year, it was expected Alexandre Gallo (who was sacked this morning) would overlook Danilo for Brazil's U20 World Cup campaign. But such has been his impact with Braga this season, ignoring Danilo simply became a non-option.
But Danilo's performances for Braga haven't just brought him to the attention of Selecao staff. Europe's biggest clubs are now making serious enquiries about ferrying him away from Portugal this summer.
Porto expressed interest in December, but the feeling is Mendes believes Danilo, from what he's shown this season, is already at a stage where he can handle a big club move abroad.
Juve have asked after him while in negotiations with Mendes for Radamel Falcao, the Manchester United striker. Barcelona sports chief Ariedo Braida, an expert on Brazilian youth football, is well aware of Danilo and would love to take him to the Nou Camp this summer - if not for the club's transfer ban.
Should they choose to sell, Gestifute will stand to make a bumper profit on the €4.5 million they invested less than two years ago.
And Liverpool are also still in the frame. It's understood Rodgers had Danilo scouted earlier this year against Estoril. The Ulsterman remains a fan.
But any serious move for the 19 year-old will mean Liverpool entering talks with Mendes.
Rodgers may be happy to do it. But will owners FSG, having been beaten to Danilo's signature not by a rival club, but a management firm, feel the same?
