by DAVE MARTINEZ

New York City FC came close, but no cigar.

Longtime NYCFC transfer target Jorge Teixeira officially joined Charlton Athletic of the English Championship Tuesday morning. The 29-year-old Standard Leige standout signed a four-year deal with the Addicks, becoming the first signing under new head coach Jose Riga.

EoS first broke NYCFC’s interest in the player back in December.

According to several sources, New York City FC “came very close” to signing the Portuguese centerback. However, a move to the Championship with the 11th place Charlton Athletic was both considered the more rewarding and lucrative deal for the player.

The failed chase for Teixeira puts NYCFC in a precarious position mere weeks from the start of the 2016 season. While the club has signed young defender Ethan White to cushion their centerback corps., NYCFC is still woefully thin at the position with veteran Jason Hernandez and Jefferson Mena their only other natural options. That said, Chris Wingert is expected to continue his transition from fullback to centerback, adding a different dimension to an otherwise thin player pool. NYCFC also reportedly sought PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe earlier this month, but their loan offer was rejected outright.

NYCFC begin preseason training this Friday at Bonita Springs in Florida.