Bournemouth Agree Club-Record €35m Deal for Brazilian Prodigy Rayan
LONDON, 27 January 2026 – AFC Bournemouth are on the verge of completing a sensational €35 million (£30 million) move for Vasco da Gama’s highly-rated Brazilian forward Rayan, according to multiple reports. The 19-year-old sensation, who has been tracked by several European giants including Chelsea, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur, is scheduled to undergo a medical with the Cherries early next week.
The Deal and Medical Timeline
The transfer, which would represent the largest sale in Vasco da Gama’s history, is structured as an initial €28.5 million fixed fee with €6.5 million in potential add-ons. Personal terms have reportedly been agreed, and the player is expected to arrive in England on Sunday ahead of a scheduled medical on Monday 29 January.
Bournemouth’s move comes as they seek attacking reinforcements following the £64 million sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City and injuries to key players Marcus Tavernier and Ben Doak. The Cherries, owned by the Bill Foley group, have built a reputation for developing young talent and believe Rayan’s style is ideally suited to their attacking Premier League football.
Player Profile: Who Is Rayan?
Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha, born in 2006, is a product of Vasco da Gama’s famed academy and comes from footballing heritage – his father Valkmar was a Vasco centre-back in the 1990s. The 1.85m (6ft 1in) forward primarily operates on the right wing but can play across the front line, combining physical power with refined left-footed technique.
Despite early career questions about discipline and consistency, Rayan flourished under manager Fernando Diniz in 2025, being named the Brasileirão Breakout Player after scoring 14 league goals (fourth-highest in the division) and finishing as joint-top scorer for Vasco alongside Pablo Vegetti. He also won the Copa do Brasil Golden Boot with five goals, leading his club to their first major final in 15 years.
Key Statistics & Career Highlights
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha |
| Age | 19 (Born 2006) |
| Position | Forward / Winger |
| Current Club | Vasco da Gama (Brazil) |
| Transfer Fee | €35 million (€28.5m + €6.5m add-ons) |
| 2025 Season Stats | 20 goals, 5 assists (all competitions) |
| Brasileirão 2025 | 14 goals (4th-highest scorer) |
| International | Brazil youth international; South American U-17 & U-20 champion |
| Contract Until | 2028 (renewed December 2025) |
Why Bournemouth Won the Race
Despite serious interest from Chelsea – who have made a habit of signing South American youngsters during the BlueCo era – and monitoring from Barcelona and Tottenham, Bournemouth presented the most compelling project for immediate first-team football. Chelsea’s attacking options including Estevao Willian, Kendry Paez (on loan at Strasbourg), and established stars meant Rayan would likely have faced limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona are reportedly focusing on other youth targets and have adequate attacking options under Hansi Flick, while Tottenham recently signed another Brazilian teenager, Souza, but could not guarantee the playing time Bournemouth offered. The South Coast club’s project under Andoni Iraola, combined with their successful integration of Brazilian striker Evanilson, proved decisive in convincing Rayan and his representatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clubs were interested in signing Rayan?
Chelsea, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur had all been monitoring the Brazilian’s progress, with Lazio, Zenit and Porto having previously made unsuccessful bids. However, Bournemouth moved decisively to agree terms with both club and player.
What is Rayan’s playing style?
The left-footed forward typically plays on the right wing, cutting inside to shoot with his preferred foot. He combines physical strength (1.85m) with technical ability, excels at diagonal runs, and has improved his defensive work rate under Fernando Diniz’s coaching.
Why is this transfer significant for Bournemouth?
At €35 million, this represents a club-record signing for the Cherries and signals their ambition under the Bill Foley ownership. It follows the successful £64 million sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, demonstrating Bournemouth’s ability to both develop and attract top young talent.
What are the expectations for Rayan at Bournemouth?
With Marcus Tavernier and Ben Doak sidelined with hamstring injuries, Rayan is expected to compete for immediate first-team minutes. His adaptation will be aided by the presence of fellow Brazilian Evanilson and Bournemouth’s attacking style of play under manager Andoni Iraola.