Liverpool are reportedly battling Premier League rivals Manchester United for the signing of Bournemouth youngster Rayan this summer.
The 19-year-old moved to the south coast from Vasco da Gama in the January transfer window, making an impressive start to life with the Cherries.
Rayan has already bagged two goals and one assist in six Premier League starts, and it looks as though there could be an auction for his services as soon as at the end of this season.
That’s according to TEAMtalk, who report that Liverpool have been”closely monitoring the teenager’s early progress on the south coast and have been left hugely impressed”, with United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid also in the mix.
It is claimed that Bournemouth have inserted an £86.5m release clause into the Brazilian’s contract, so he won’t be available on the cheap this summer.
Rayan is described in the update as “one of the standout young talents in Brazilian football last season”, highlighting what a big prospect he is.
Rayan a superb summer option for Liverpool to sign
If Liverpool were able to snap him up Rayan over several other top clubs, it would feel like a big coup, given his long-term potential at the highest level.
He even recently received a call-up to Brazil’s senior squad, with manager Carlo Ancelotti speaking highly of him and not ruling out a place in the 2026 World Cup squad:
“He’s performed very well in a difficult league like the Premier League. I believe he’s young and that he’s a future star for the national team. I don’t know if he’ll be in the next World Cup squad, but based on what he’s doing, he deserves to be on the technical committee’s list.”
A right winger by trade, Rayan could be seen as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, should the Liverpool legend depart in the summer window, but his versatility also means he can shine on the left flank, too.
He isn’t yet the finished article, by any means, but he has taken to English football with impressive ease and could grow into an elite attacking player as the years pass.