​Liverpool have opened discussions about Bournemouth winger Rayan as they assess potential long-term replacements for Mohamed Salah. The Reds have explored the Brazilian’s profile in depth with head coach Andoni Iraola, indicating a possible reunion that would leverage their prior working relationship. TEAMtalk reports that the 19-year-old now sits firmly on Liverpool’s radar. Iraola knows Rayan well from their time together on the south coast, having worked closely with him in his early months in England to help him adjust to Premier League football before his move to Anfield. He is believed to rate the youngster’s ceiling as exceptionally high.
Rayan’s debut half-season at Bournemouth justified the club’s investment. He contributed five goals and two assists in only 13 Premier League starts after arriving from Vasco da Gama in January, adapting impressively and earning a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad as a result. Liverpool are not alone in their admiration; Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all reportedly tracking his progress after what has been described as a breakthrough campaign.
Bournemouth, however, have no intention of selling. The Cherries consider Rayan untouchable after just six months at the club and are prepared for a fight to keep one of their most prized assets. His contract offers them protection: he has a release clause of around £130 million, though it is understood not to become active until 2027, leaving Bournemouth in full control of his future this summer.
The enquiry forms part of a broader Liverpool search. Their ultimate target is RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, but the teenager would prefer a move to PSG, with talks between the clubs ongoing. Liverpool hope a PSG deal for Diomande could free up Bradley Barcola, whom they rate highly. If those routes stall, they have also explored alternatives including Yankuba Minteh, Said El Mala, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, and Iliman Ndiaye.