Liverpool could sign €50m Brazilian star in January | OneFootball

Liverpool Turn Attention to Rayan as Semenyo Chase Cools

Liverpool’s January planning is beginning to sharpen, shaped as much by availability as ambition. With the market narrowing and competition intensifying for preferred targets, recruitment discussions inside the club have evolved quickly. Antoine Semenyo remains admired, but the sense is that Liverpool are now realistic about the direction of that race. Manchester United and Manchester City have made stronger inroads, forcing Liverpool to assess alternative options that still align with their tactical and data-led profile.

One name increasingly prominent in internal conversations, according to Goal, is Rayan. The 19-year-old Vasco da Gama forward has moved from emerging talent to genuine January consideration, with Liverpool convinced his trajectory fits both their immediate needs and long-term planning. While no deal is yet agreed, sources suggest this is more than idle scouting interest.

Liverpool Recruitment Context Under Slot

Liverpool’s approach under Arne Slot has been pragmatic rather than reactive. The club entered the winter window aware that attacking depth could be tested, particularly with senior absences and the physical demands of a congested fixture list. Rather than panic-buying, Liverpool’s recruitment team have focused on players who can offer versatility across the frontline and develop into long-term starters.

Semenyo fit that profile well. His Premier League experience, physical robustness and ability to operate centrally or wide made him a natural candidate. However, Liverpool have been unwilling to escalate beyond their valuation, especially with rival clubs prepared to move faster and spend heavier. That has created space for Rayan to emerge as a serious alternative rather than a fallback.

Rayan Profile and Tactical Fit

Rayan’s numbers have not gone unnoticed. Twenty goals at club level this season in Brazil, achieved across multiple competitions, underline his output rather than just his potential. Liverpool’s analysts are particularly drawn to his shot volume and positional flexibility. He is comfortable leading the line, attacking from the right, or drifting inside onto his stronger left foot.

Physically, Rayan already profiles well for English football. He is not explosive over long distances, but he uses his body intelligently, protects the ball under pressure and finishes decisively in the box. Liverpool believe that profile reduces adaptation risk, especially compared to more lightweight technical prospects arriving from South America.

Importantly, Rayan is viewed as a developmental signing with genuine short-term utility. Liverpool see him as someone who can contribute immediately in rotation while being coached into a more complete forward over time.

Semenyo Situation and Market Pressure

The Semenyo situation has highlighted Liverpool’s discipline in the market. While the player remains of interest, the sense is that Liverpool are unwilling to be drawn into a bidding war that distorts their wider strategy. United and City’s involvement has accelerated timelines and inflated expectations, and Liverpool have quietly stepped back rather than compromise their recruitment model.

That decision has indirectly strengthened Rayan’s standing. At a reported valuation closer to €50m, Liverpool believe there is value relative to age, output and upside. There is also awareness that other elite clubs, including Real Madrid, are monitoring the situation, adding urgency without forcing a rushed conclusion.

January Outlook and Next Steps

Liverpool’s preference would be to complete any forward business early in the window, but patience remains central to their thinking. Talks around Rayan are understood to be exploratory rather than finalised, with Liverpool still assessing timing, structure and competition.

What is clear is that Liverpool see Rayan not as a compromise after missing out on Semenyo, but as a player who may ultimately offer a broader skill set. His capacity to cover multiple roles across the front line aligns closely with Slot’s tactical demands and Liverpool’s evolving attacking shape.

As January unfolds, Liverpool’s decisions will be guided less by noise and more by fit. Whether that leads to Rayan arriving this winter or later remains to be seen, but his name is firmly on the shortlist as Liverpool recalibrate their plans.