REUTERS/Phil Noble
Liverpool could break their transfer record by signing AFC Bournemouth star Rayan next summer, with Andoni Iraola known to be a big fan of the forward.
Although he is also capable of playing as a centre-forward, the Brazilian is a right-winger by trade, which is an area Iraola failed to strengthen in the summer, despite losing Mohamed Salah, who went on to sign for Trabzonspor.
Mohamed Salah's attacking record Appearances Goals
Liverpool 442 257
AS Roma 83 34
FC Basel 79 20
El Mokawloon 45 12
Fiorentina 26 9
Chelsea 19 2
Trabzonspor 7 4
After coming up short in a drab 0-0 draw against Fulham on Saturday, the Reds have set their sights on a new forward, and the Bournemouth star could be an exciting addition, having been described as "very special" by former coach Fernando Diniz.
The 20-year-old only signed for the Cherries earlier this year, but he has made an instant impact in the Premier League, picking up five goals and two assists in 15 matches last season, although there are some signs he isn't yet the finished article.
Rayan for Bournemouth
This season, the youngster has featured in all four of Bournemouth's Premier League matches, but he is yet to register a goal or an assist, and he has missed three big chances, although he did manage to get on the scoresheet in the 4-0 EFL Cup triumph against Lincoln City.
However, it's important to note the Rio de Janeiro-born marksman is still in the early stages of his career, and attack is arguably an area in which the Reds need to strengthen, considering Iraola was critical of his side's output on the front foot against Fulham on Saturday.
The 44-year-old said: "When you draw, especially at home, you can't be happy. We lacked a bit of freshness, and we did not do enough offensively to make the difference.
"We were good enough to keep the clean sheet, and it was slightly better in the second half. In the first half we started the game slowly, we lacked energy and it was not enough – we have to be better, offensively."
Liverpool considering mega bid for Rayan
Rayan for Brazil
According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool could blitz their existing transfer record by signing Rayan in the summer of 2027, at which point the £130m release clause in his Bournemouth contract will become active.
The Reds have been willing to splash the cash over the past year or so, bringing in the likes of Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak for big fees, and the Brazil international could be the next high-profile arrival.
It's also noted the Bournemouth forward is 'strongly admired' by Iraola, with the Spaniard taking him to the Vitality Stadium last season.