Everton are no different to any other club in that, certain players are linked, never signed and then thrive elsewhere – and Rayan could be another case of this for the Toffees.
Everton are hoping to break back into Europe after a difficult past few years fighting against relegation.
It’s a new era now, with the club playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and being under new owners The Friedkin Group.
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Everton's Tyrique George on the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Naturally, expectations are high, and Evertonians are desperate to see the club back where it should be.
There are plenty of things that need to happen for Everton to get back into Europe, and strong player recruitment is one of those things.
It’s about identifying the right players and profiles to construct a squad that can deliver.
Rayan has just joined Bournemouth and already looks like a player Everton will end up having regrets over.
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Everton were sleeping as Rayan makes explosive Premier League start
Bournemouth star Rayan claps fans.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Premier League fans are already cottoning on to Rayan, who joined Bournemouth in the January transfer window.
The Brazilian teenager joined the Cherries for around £25 million, having enjoyed a goal-filled 2025 season with Vasco da Gama.
Eyebrows were raised as it was reported that Bournemouth had included a £87 million release clause in the player’s contract. But it is quickly becoming apparent why they did that.
In four appearances so far, Rayan has scored two goals in four appearances and provided one assist.
And against West Ham United on Saturday, he was a real menace and almost scored one of the goals of the season, taking the ball from his own half all the way to the West Ham box before lashing an effort that just clipped the outside of the post.
Earlier this month, it was reported by that Rayan ‘was one of a number of players discussed by Everton during the 2023/24 season’.
Of course, no move materialised, but Bournemouth have now swooped and are already reaping the rewards.
Seemingly there was never any push from Everton to push for Rayan in recent windows, and that is a real shame given how good he looks.
Rayan – dubbed ‘super exciting talent’ by pundit Jamie Redknapp (via Sky Sports) after his latest showing – is everything Everton need at the moment. He’s very fast, direct, provides output in front of goal and is versatile. He’s also tall for a winger, and Moyes would surely have appreciated his physical profile.
Hopefully, new loan signing Tyrique George will prove to be an adequate alternative.
Everton must scour the Brazilian league after recent influx
Everton’s loss is Bournemouth’s gain, and Rayan could well be someone who gives Toffees officials nightmares about what could have been.
Moving forward, it would be wise of Everton to ensure the Brazilian is scouted extensively for potential talent.
Rayan playing for Bournemouth.
Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
As well as Rayan, there have been other brilliant talents arriving in the Premier League in recent times. Willian Estevao, Andrey Santos, Murillo, Andre and Joao Gomes have all made names for themselves after transferring from Brazilian clubs.
So there are gems out there, it’s just about finding them and being decisive.
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