Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Bournemouth winger Rayan, with journalist Pete O’Rourke reporting the club’s interest via the Transfer Insider podcast.
O’Rourke, writing for Football Insider, claims Liverpool’s pursuit of the Brazilian is heavily tied to the presence of manager Andoni Iraola at Anfield.
Iraola previously worked with the 20-year-old at Bournemouth, and that existing relationship is understood to be a significant factor in Liverpool’s reported interest.
“Iraola was at Bournemouth when they signed him, and obviously he made a massive impact there, he got seven goal contributions in 15 games which is pretty good going.”
O’Rourke added that the obvious connection between manager and player makes a future move a credible possibility worth monitoring.
“Obviously, links with Liverpool are pretty easy to come up with in that respect because of who the manager is. Iraola is a big fan of his, having worked with him before, so of course it is a possibility and Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on his performances for Bournemouth this season.”
However, O’Rourke was quick to flag that the financial demands surrounding Rayan could prove a stumbling block for the Merseyside club.
“That release clause would probably be a bit expensive for Liverpool, but I’m sure he is a player that’s on their list because of the obvious links between the manager and the player as well.”
Rayan’s exit clause is understood to be valued at somewhere between £100m and £130m, making him one of the more expensive targets in European football at this level.
His contract at the Vitality Stadium runs until the summer of 2031, meaning Bournemouth are under no pressure to sell the forward at a discounted rate.
During his time working under Iraola at Bournemouth, Rayan featured in 19 games, scoring six goals and contributing two assists in a highly promising spell.
Liverpool ultimately did not sign a right winger in the most recent summer transfer window, instead spending £123m to bring France international Bradley Barcola to Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcola, 24, featured on the right wing against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, although the winger is understood to prefer playing on the left side of the attack.
That positional preference leaves a potential gap on the right that Liverpool may look to address, with Rayan seen as a player capable of filling that role.
The Brazilian is regarded as a technically gifted dribbler who can cause problems in wide areas, with an eye for creating chances and a powerful long-range shot in his locker.