Despite having never played a senior game for Chelsea, the club's supporters were left hugely frustrated when Tino Livramento was allowed to leave for Southampton during the summer transfer window.
Instead of accepting the offer of a long-term contract, the right-sided 18-year-old opted for the guarantee of first-team football at St Mary's.
Livramento finally lived out his boyhood dream of playing Premier League football at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, albeit in the colours of the Saints.
The teenager ended up on the losing side as Chelsea recorded a 3-1 victory, their goals coming from Trevoh Chalobah, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell.
However, after making yet another positive impression in a Southampton shirt, it was Livramento who was trending on social media after the full-time whistle.
I've seen enough from Livramento. He is going to be a star
— Sensei (@N_Chauke__) October 2, 2021
Livramento is so so so so good
— Zenitsuuuu⚡⚡⚡ (@Zenitsuzumaki) October 2, 2021
Agenda 2023: Livramento back to Chelsea! What a player!
— Ɛvander (@evander_appiah) October 2, 2021
Livramento is one of the top baller in that wing. He would have skinned Alonso even before the match begun.
— theophilus (@tunmishe_) October 2, 2021
As well as winning Southampton's penalty against his former club, Livramento has now played the most minutes of any Saints outfield player in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged at Friday's press conference that Chelsea had 'done everything that they could' to retain the services of the academy player.
Nevertheless, the European champions are said to have secured a buy-back clause for a later date, an option which will surely be activated if Livramento continues to make his mark in England's top flight.
