Journalist: Brazilian Wonderkid Could Join Liverpool with £25m Deal Table | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Interest in Brazilian Starlet Rayan Gathers Pace

Rayan on Reds’ Radar for Over Two Years

Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Vasco da Gama forward Rayan has taken a step forward, with reports that the club is considering a summer move. As Rousing The Kop revealed, “The Reds have been keeping tabs on Rayan for the past two years, with the 18-year-old having joined the senior team at Vasco aged just 16.” That kind of early maturity, breaking into a senior Brazilian side as a teenager, inevitably grabs attention.

Now 18 and already with 47 senior appearances under his belt, Rayan has proven he’s not just a youth hype train. As Graeme Bailey reports, “Having since played more than 40 times for the Brazilian club, Liverpool have been regularly scouting Rayan to check in on his progress.”

U-20 Brilliance Elevates His Reputation

Rayan recently caught wider European eyes at the South American U-20 Championships in Venezuela. Scoring twice, including one against arch-rivals Argentina, he helped Brazil secure victory and underlined his readiness for the next step.

“Rayan’s performances in Venezuela are understood to have made a move to England more likely in 2025,” according to RTK. Liverpool’s presence at the tournament wasn’t just a routine scout visit — this was a continuation of deliberate, long-term tracking.

Versatility in Attack a Key Selling Point

What makes Rayan so attractive to European suitors is his flexibility. Though typically positioned on the right wing, cutting in on his stronger left foot, he’s also capable through the middle. He’s tall, quick, and direct — physical attributes Liverpool’s recruitment team always value.

With five senior goals and far more prolific numbers at youth level (eight in 14 for Brazil U17s, and three in nine for the U20s), there’s clear potential waiting to be shaped.

Price Tag Reasonable… For Now

There’s a suggestion the fee could hover around £25 million, but for a player with this kind of upside, that may prove a bargain. If Liverpool truly believe in his ceiling, they’ll want to move before the market catches up to his talent.

Rayan recently made his 2024 debut in Vasco’s 2-1 Copa Sudamericana win over FBC Melgar, highlighting that he’s match-fit and already contributing in continental competition.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This all sounds promising, but if you’re a Liverpool fan reading this, you’ve heard this song before. The club has been linked to dozens of South American talents over the years — and very few deals materialise. Rayan might be brilliant, but history tells us Liverpool rarely buy straight out of Brazil.

The idea that this is more than just scouting noise feels a little too convenient. However, one thing that does make this more interesting is the report of FSG’s growing interest in Spanish club Malaga. That could open the door to a multi-club model, which would make signings like Rayan more strategic — park him in Spain first, help him adjust, then bring him to Merseyside.

If that’s the vision, this could be one of those low-risk, high-upside moves. Still, colour us sceptical until someone is holding up the shirt at Kirkby.