Report: Liverpool eye summer deal for Vasco’s rising talent | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Eyes on Rayan: A Brazilian Starlet in Waiting

Emerging Talent Catching Liverpool’s Attention

Liverpool’s long-standing tradition of scouting South American talent may be about to pay dividends once again. According to Graeme Bailey of Rousing The Kop, the Reds are tracking Vasco da Gama’s 18-year-old forward Rayan, with interest that dates back two years – well before his breakout performances at the South American U-20 Championships.

Liverpool’s recruitment under Arne Slot continues to combine data-led scouting with long-term observation, and in Rayan, they may have found a forward who ticks both the potential and the stylistic boxes.

“Liverpool are continuing to assess Vasco da Gama wonderkid Rayan ahead of a potential move,” Bailey reports. It’s not just a recent fascination either – “Liverpool’s interest in the left-footed forward pre-dates the winter tournament by some two years.”

That early groundwork could prove vital in what’s shaping up to be a continental race for one of Brazil’s brightest attacking prospects.

U-20 Brilliance and Tactical Versatility

Rayan shone on a big stage earlier this year, notching two goals for Brazil in their U-20 Championship campaign – including a notable strike against Argentina, the tournament’s pre-favourites.

That level of performance has now made a switch to Europe increasingly likely, with Rousing The Kop revealing: “Rayan’s performances in Venezuela are understood to have made a move to England more likely in 2025.”

The teenager’s profile is a familiar one for Liverpool. Left-footed, pacey, and versatile in the final third, Rayan tends to operate on the right flank, cutting in onto his stronger foot – a trait reminiscent of Luis Díaz or even a younger Mo Salah.

Photo: IMAGO

His record speaks to a player on the rise: five goals in 47 senior appearances for Vasco and an impressive youth international return – eight goals in 14 for Brazil U17s, and three in nine for the U20s.

Price Tag and Potential Value

Despite the European interest heating up, Rayan could be a relative bargain in today’s transfer market. Rousing The Kop notes that “a deal for the youngster could be relatively inexpensive, although there is a possibility that the full cost could come in at close to £25m.”

In Premier League terms, that could prove to be a snip for a player with Rayan’s ceiling. With Real Madrid and others reportedly circling, Liverpool’s groundwork and existing scouting portfolio may allow them to steal a march if and when a deal becomes concrete.

Slot’s Liverpool are looking for fluid, adaptable players who can rotate across positions – and Rayan’s ability to play centrally or out wide makes him a tempting addition to the squad’s next evolution.

South American Pipeline Still Flowing

Rayan’s rise also reflects Liverpool’s growing presence in South American scouting circles. The Reds have watched on as rivals like Manchester City and Brighton have successfully tapped into the Brazilian and Argentinian markets – and now they seem determined to assert themselves too.

Vasco da Gama’s willingness to allow the player to stay and develop in his home country shows maturity and patience – but with the Brazilian season underway, the window to act may be closing quickly.

As Rousing The Kop explains: “With interest from Liverpool and beyond now being described as ‘gathering momentum’, there is an expectation that Rayan could move this summer.”

Should Liverpool act decisively, they’ll be hoping they’ve identified another gem before the market explodes. If they wait too long, the teenager might become just another name priced out by competition.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool’s targeting of Rayan fits neatly into what many fans believe to be the next phase of Arne Slot’s rebuild: identifying elite young talent before it becomes prohibitively expensive. While the club hasn’t always been the fastest movers in the South American market, this long-term scouting of Rayan suggests the lessons of missed opportunities may finally be bearing fruit.

There’s something exciting about a forward who carries the technical flair of a Brazilian upbringing and pairs it with modern versatility. The fact that he’s already played nearly 50 senior matches and delivered on international youth stages makes it easier to envision a pathway into the Liverpool squad – even if that initially means loaning him out or developing him slowly at Kirkby.

Fans may also read into the positional flexibility. With doubts around Mo Salah’s long-term future and evolving front-three roles, a player like Rayan could be part of a transition that maintains Liverpool’s wide threat while future-proofing the squad. His style screams potential, and the reported £25m fee would represent smart business in a market that rarely offers such value for age and upside.