Liverpool are ready to step up their pursuit of a replacement for Mohamed Salah, and Andoni Iraola is understood to be very much involved in the conversations.
The Reds have seen Victor Munoz arrive in a deal from Osasuna to strengthen their attack, but Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson have all departed on free transfers, while there is lots of speculation surrounding the future of Curtis Jones amid interest from Inter Milan.
The club have been heavily linked with a number of superstar forwards to replace the iconic Egyptian, including PSG star Bradley Barcola and RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande, but they have now made a move on a different target.
Rayan Brazil (Bournemouth) celebrates against Japan at the 2026 World CupAction Images/REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made contact with Bournemouth about a potential deal to sign Brazil sensation Rayan.
Rayan, who has been described as 'deadly', burst onto the scene in English football after joining the Cherries in January, and finished the season starting for Brazil at the World Cup after Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during the win over Haiti in the group stages.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a fine first spell in England, scoring five goals and registering two assists in 12 starts in the Premier League, which has attracted the attention of a number of top clubs across Europe.
Nobody knows the winger better than Liverpool's new boss Iraola, however, and it's understood that he has told Liverpool to try and get a deal over the line for him this summer.
Bournemouth have inserted a £130m release clause in his contract, which is active from the summer of 2027, and are adamant they will not sell him this summer. But Liverpool have made calls to the Cherries to gauge how strong their stance is, having held talks with Iraola about the player. It's understood that Bournemouth have made it clear that they see him as untouchable.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Rayan Could Be Gamechanger
Rayan
Liverpool need to be busy in their transfer market to address the thin squad they currently have, as they look to get back to being competitive following their fifth-placed finish last season.
A replacement for Salah is undoubtedly the biggest priority in the window, and a player like Rayan could be a gamechanging arrival, with his bundles of potential and quality, plus the fact he already knows the manager well.
Any fee would undoubtedly be expensive, but Liverpool know they won't get an adequate Salah replacement cheaply. Rayan could be an option that occupies the position for years to come, and getting ahead of the competition before next summer could be a genius and shrewd move.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola watching on from the touchline Related
Liverpool Plotting Move to Sign £85m 'Superstar in the Making' for Iraola
Liverpool could still make a move for an in-demand World Cup midfielder