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It appears Andoni Iraola’s switch to Liverpool could encourage the Spaniard to launch a raid on his former employer.
The 43-year-old was only officially confirmed as the new Reds boss on Thursday evening.
On his appointment, Andoni Iraola said: “Really excited, really excited, because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it’s a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world. But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club, I always thought it’s a special club. Not about the football side, also because what people think about even during the week, how they are passionate about the club.”
The ex-Bournemouth boss has signed a two‑year deal running until 2028, a relatively short contract that fits with his preference for shorter cycles.
However, it’s not taken long for Iraola to start bringing forth transfer targets of his own.
At least, according to Mark Douglas of the i Paper who reports that 19-year-old Rayan could be one to watch with a £130m activate in January 2027:
“Andoni Iraola’s appointment as Liverpool boss has opened the door for the Reds to make a move for Bournemouth’s Brazil international Rayan – but not until January at the earliest.”
“The i Paper understands that Iraola is a “huge fan” of Rayan, who made a stunning start to his Premier League career with five goals in his first 15 matches.”
“He has a release clause that activates in January but it is a whopping £130m before it lowers in value in each subsequent transfer window. There’s an expectation that he will stay.”
Bournemouth only brought the Brazilian forward in from Vasco da Gama in January, tying him down on a five‑and‑a‑half‑year deal after agreeing a reported £24.7m fee that could rise by a further £5.6m in add‑ons. The 19‑year‑old has taken to the Premier League at frightening speed.
He was also called up to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil World Cup squad for this summer.