Highly-rated Brazil Under-20 striker Henrique's move to English Premier League side Queens Park Rangers has been prevented after he failed to be granted a work permit on Monday.
The 20-year-old Sao Paulo player is one of the most highly-rated young forwards in South America - he was the leading scorer at the World Youth Cup last year - and had long been expected to join a top European side.
It looked as if QPR had pulled off a coup when they agreed last week an initial 18-month loan deal, with a view to finalising a STG5.5 million (A$8.1 million) acquisition in 2013.
However, the deal fell apart on Monday when he had his application for a work permit denied.
"He didn't get a work permit for various reasons," a QPR spokesman told Press Association Sport.
Among those reasons were the fact the player still has limited experience in club football, and because he has not yet made his debut for the senior Brazil team.
Campeonato Brasileiro
Ronaldinho in spat with Flamengo coach
Ronaldinho has complained of team tactics after a 1-1 draw against Sport in its opening match in the Campeonato Brasileiro, irritating coach Joel Santana.
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