Liverpool are eyeing up a stunning move to sign a Premier League forward this summer to replace Mohamed Salah, according to The Athletic.
The Reds are on the brink of qualification for Champions League football next season, after a disappointing campaign which has seen them struggle to defend their Premier League title under Arne Slot.
The club are already making plans for the summer transfer window as they prepare for life without star forward Salah, who has announced he will leave at the end of the season, and a new target has now emerged as a potential replacement.
Liverpool Eyeing Rayan Transfer
Rayan
According to a report by The Athletic, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Bournemouth star Rayan this summer.
The Brazilian teenager made the move to the Premier League in January from Vasco da Gama in a deal worth around £25m plus add-ons, and has hit the ground running with five goals and two assists in 13 appearances for the Cherries, stepping into the shoes Antoine Semenyo left vacant seamlessly.
Rayan, described as 'deadly', signed a five-and-a-half-year deal when he signed, but it has been reported that there is a €100m (£87m) release clause in the contract, and Liverpool are showing an interest in him despite that.
Liverpool have a good relationship with Bournemouth, after signing Milos Kerkez last summer, but it's understood that convincing them to let Rayan leave so early into his tenure at the Vitality Stadium would be difficult.
But with the release clause in his contract present, Liverpool could take the decision out of their hands if they wanted to, and the club have shown an interest in bringing the 19-year-old to Anfield.
Liverpool a Step Too Soon for Rayan?
Arne Slot
A replacement for Salah is needed, and Rayan is quite clearly a top, top talent who could make a difference straight away, but would it be too big of a step up at this stage in his career?
Considering that Liverpool are looking to get back to winning the Premier League and Champions League, it's a big step up in responsibility for anyone, but especially if someone is being brought in directly to replace a legendary figure like Salah, who was relied upon so heavily for a number of years and brought success.
At a cheaper fee, Rayan could be an ideal option. But at £87m, Liverpool can surely sign someone more proven and less of a gamble, and that's what they should prioritise at this stage.
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