How a Guardiola decision ended up helping Vasco in the transfer market | OneFootball

A decision made thousands of kilometers away from São Januário ended up having a direct impact on Vasco's market. The move came from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and quickly triggered a chain reaction in European football.

While looking for a new name to strengthen their attack, City shook the established structures of the Premier League. One of these side effects was felt by Bournemouth, which found itself forced to go to the market to replace a key piece of its squad.

It was in this context that Vasco appeared as an indirect beneficiary. The gem Rayan came to be seen as the ideal solution, paving the way for a historic negotiation for the Carioca club.

Guardiola's decision at Manchester City shakes the market

The signing of Antoine Semenyo by Manchester City marked another chapter in Pep Guardiola's aggressive market philosophy. The Ghanaian striker, who was in great form at Bournemouth, was acquired for around 72 million euros, a figure that drew attention not only for the amount but for the immediate sporting impact.

Wearing the number 42 shirt — a number that carries symbolism at the club for having been worn by Yaya Touré — Semenyo quickly lived up to the bet. In just five days since the official announcement, he scored two goals and provided an assist in two games for City. Against Newcastle, he even had a goal controversially disallowed, which would have further increased his initial numbers.

Guardiola's decision had a direct effect on Bournemouth. The club lost one of its main offensive players in the middle of the season, opening a difficult gap to fill in the squad competing in the Premier League.

+ Rayan waives upfront payment in sale and leaves about €25 million with Vasco

Photo: Manchester City/Disclosure

Bournemouth goes to the market and finds Rayan, from Vasco

Without Semenyo, Bournemouth was forced to act quickly. The striker's departure left a clear hole in the offensive sector, especially at a time when the club occupies a mid-table position and seeks stability in the competition.

With funds bolstered by the sale to Manchester City, the English board began mapping the market in search of a young player with the potential for immediate impact and future appreciation. It was in this scenario that the name of Rayan, from Vasco, gained strength.

At 19 years old, the Brazilian striker fit perfectly into the profile sought by the English: physical strength, speed, ability to play on the wings, and impressive numbers in the 2025 season when he scored 20 goals for the Carioca club.

Rayan's sale becomes the biggest in Vasco's history

The negotiation with Bournemouth was concluded for 35 million euros, with 28.5 million fixed and another 6.5 million tied to sporting goals. The amount makes Rayan the biggest sale in Vasco's history, surpassing the previous record of Paulinho, negotiated in 2018 for 18.5 million euros.

Ranking of Vasco's biggest sales

Even with the division of economic rights — 70% for Vasco, 20% for the player and family, and 10% for agents — the club secured an immediate income close to €20 million, in addition to possible bonuses and future gains via FIFA's solidarity mechanism.

+ Mixed team! Probable lineup of Vasco against Boavista for the Carioca Championship

Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco.

Vasco crosses negotiation and frustrates Boca Juniors' plans

Hinestroza was on track with Boca Juniors, but Vasco crossed the talks and closed the signing of the striker in three days. Before heading to Brazil, the 23-year-old player explained the negotiation:

— Yes, I was always firm on Boca's offer, to go to Boca, then Vasco came, it was no longer up to me. They talked among themselves and made the decision. I waited patiently with my family because we were already worried about the situation, as I had been without training for many days. In the end, an agreement was reached with Vasco, and I am very happy with this step in my career.

Vasco will pay around US$ 5 million (about R$ 30 million) for 80% of the Colombian striker's economic rights. Hinestroza had the best season of his career at Atlético Nacional in 2025. He scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 57 games, in addition to winning the Colombian Championship and the Colombia Cup.

Domino effect shows how decisions in Europe impact South American football

Rayan's transfer is a clear example of how decisions made at the top of European football reverberate directly in South America. A strategic move by Guardiola, designed exclusively to strengthen Manchester City, ended up altering the planning of intermediate Premier League clubs and, consequently, Brazilian teams.

For Vasco, the domino effect represented a turning point. The club broke a sales record, strengthened its finances, gained room to invest in the squad, and consolidated its image as a developer and seller of talents on an international scale.

The case also highlights the growing integration of global markets, where choices made by elite coaches influence trajectories, finances, and sports projects far beyond European borders. In the end, São Januário reaped the benefits of a decision made by Guardiola in Manchester.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.