Liverpool are reportedly keeping Rayan in mind as they look at future options for their attack, and Bournemouth’s position around the Brazilian is becoming relevant.
The 19-year-old has been one of the stories of the Premier League season since arriving from Vasco in January. Bournemouth paid around €35m (£30m) to sign him, and the move has quickly looked like smart business.
Rayan has scored five goals and provided two assists in 14 appearances in England. His pace, dribbling and aggression in individual duels have made him one of Bournemouth’s most influential players.
That form has already taken him into Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the World Cup. It has also brought attention from bigger clubs.
According to RTI Esporte in Brazil, Liverpool are watching the former Vasco youngster as a possible future option for their attack. The report claims Rayan is emerging as one of the names being observed as the club consider long-term alternatives to Mohamed Salah.
Iraola factor could help Liverpool
RTI Esporte state the situation has gained more weight because of Andoni Iraola’s arrival at Liverpool.
The manager worked with Rayan at Bournemouth and knows the attacker well. That could be important if Liverpool decide to make a serious move.
Iraola is said to know the player’s qualities, especially his speed, dribbling ability and intensity in one-v-one situations. Those characteristics have helped Rayan adapt quickly to English football after leaving Brazil.
There is no official offer at this stage. However, the simple possibility of a move to Anfield is already being followed closely in Brazil. Of course, that is because Vasco could benefit financially from any future transfer.
Vasco watching closely
RTI Esporte explain Vasco are monitoring Rayan’s future because of the FIFA solidarity mechanism.
As the club responsible for his development, Vasco would be entitled to a share of a future international transfer. In general, 5% of the total fee is distributed among clubs involved in a player’s formation.
The exact amount for Vasco would depend on the period Rayan spent registered with the club during his youth development.
That means any big sale by Bournemouth could generate a significant payment for the Rio de Janeiro side, even without Vasco being directly involved in the negotiation.
Big clause protects Bournemouth
The biggest figure mentioned is Rayan’s release clause. According to RTI Esporte, Bournemouth have protected themselves with a clause worth £130m (€153m).
That does not mean any sale would necessarily happen for the full amount, but it gives a clear idea of how highly the Cherries value him.
Bournemouth have already made it clear in other reports from Brazil that they do not plan to sell Rayan this summer. They want to keep him and fellow Brazilian Evanilson as part of the squad for next season.
That stance makes sense. Rayan has quickly become a key player, and his value could rise further if he has a strong World Cup with Brazil.
What happens next
Rayan is a definitely a player being watched by Liverpool at this point, as this is not the first time the two are linked recently.
The fresh Iraola connection gives the story an obvious route forward, especially if the new Liverpool manager wants a player he already trusts from Bournemouth.
But Bournemouth have a teenage Brazil international whose value is rising quickly, and they have no immediate need to sell.
For Vasco, a future transfer to Liverpool (or another major European club) could bring millions through the solidarity mechanism.
In the end, this is a situation that could develop quickly if the market moves after the World Cup. Depending on his performances, who knows how quickly it could evolve.