Eyeing Vasco gem: Liverpool monitor Rayan after World Cup | OneFootball

Vasco is closely monitoring the situation of forward Rayan, a product of the club’s youth academy, who landed on the radar of one of the biggest giants in European football this Wednesday (29). According to information reported by British radio station talkSPORT, the young Brazilian is seen as a “dream target” by Liverpool to strengthen its attack in this international transfer window.

The Reds’ pursuit of the Brazil national team player has gained momentum due to the financial difficulties involved in signing the English club’s board’s Plan A, Frenchman Bradley Barcola. PSG is playing hardball behind the scenes and is demanding around 170 million euros (approximately R$ 1.02 billion) to release the player, prompting the Anfield side to step up its monitoring of the gem who once belonged to Vasco.

+ Vasco backs out of deal for Helinho after Toluca asks for 14 million dollars

Big money on the table and Premier League competition

Liverpool is considering making an official offer in the coming weeks, but is aware that prying him away from Bournemouth will not be cheap. The English club’s directors know that the Brazilian’s release clause exceeds 100 million euros (around R$ 650 million), although the full value of that contractual provision will only become legally valid from 2027 onward.

In addition to the name of the player developed at Vasco, the European radio station says the scouting department is monitoring other market options on the continent, such as Said El Mala of Köln and Matias Fernández-Pardo of Lille. Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh was also discussed internally by the coaching staff, but talks were put on hold to focus on the talent of the jewel developed by Vasco.

Rayan now plays for Bournemouth – Photo: Reuters

Rayan’s journey, a Vasco academy product

Vasco saw Rayan make his professional debut at just 16 years old, after the youngster piled up goals and broke records in the youth ranks. After a great season for the Giant of the Hill in 2025, the forward was sold permanently to England’s Bournemouth in January 2026 for a total of 35 million euros (around R$ 220 million), marking the biggest sale in the history of the Rio club. The player moved to the Premier League and maintained his high level, which earned him a call-up for the 2026 World Cup.

At the international tournament, after starting winger Raphinha suffered an injury, the Vasco academy product took over as the starting attacker for the Brazil national team. Although he did not find the net in the competition, his tactical contribution was crucial, providing key assists and a strong physical presence, which drew Liverpool’s attention.

Rayan during his time at Vasco – Photo: Matheus Lima / Vasco

+ Follow Papo na Colina on social media: Thread, Bluesky, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and Google News.

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