Andoni Iraola‘s appointment as Liverpool head coach has only increased links with Bournemouth players, with the Spaniard reportedly a “huge fan” of Rayan.
Brazilian winger Rayan only joined Bournemouth in a £24.7 million deal in January, but the impact he has made since arriving from Vasco da Gama has sparked wider interest.
That includes Liverpool, who were linked prior to the sacking of Arne Slot but are now expected to “firm up” their interest after Iraola replaced the Dutchman.
The i Paper‘s Mark Douglas, who is considered a reliable source for Bournemouth, claims Iraola is a “huge fan” of the 19-year-old.
He adds that Liverpool’s interest is “likely to be firmed up” despite Rayan’s release clause currently pricing him at £130 million.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 10, 2026: Bournemouth's Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Bournemouth AFC at Bramley-Moore Dock. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Clearly that is far too high a valuation at this stage in his career but it is explained that the fee required will drop with every passing transfer window – similarly to the terms of Antoine Semenyo’s contract prior to his exit.
Rayan is an explosive, direct right winger who is capable of driving at full-backs at speed with the ball at his feet.
He scored five goals and laid on two assists in his 15 appearances after joining Bournemouth, making the step up to the Premier League look seamless.
That outstanding form earned Rayan a place in the Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup, which will only increase the competition for his signature when he eventually leaves the south coast.
Liverpool more likely to sign Yan Diomande
3DR18JJ Leipzig, Poland. 15th Feb, 2026. Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig seen during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull Arena. Final score RB Leipzig 2 : 2 VfL Wolfsburg. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News
As it stands it seems unlikely that Liverpool will look to sign the youngster this summer, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande a more realistic arrival.
But it could be that, particularly with Iraola in the dugout and Richard Hughes as sporting director, he remains a long-term target with scouts tracking his progress.
Liverpool are also credited with an interest in Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi but he, like midfielder Alex Scott, is more likely to stay this summer.
Douglas claims that “the luxury of European football next term” will convince the likes of Kroupi, Scott and Tyler Adams that their future still lies at Dean Court.