Bournemouth sign Brazilian teenager Rayan from Vasco da Gama for an initial £24.7m, adding goals and pace after Antoine Semenyo’s exit.
Bournemouth have completed the signing of Brazilian forward Rayan from Vasco da Gama for an initial £24.7m. The deal includes up to £5.6m in add-ons and runs for five and a half years, with a release clause of £86.8m. The 19-year-old becomes one the club’s biggest ever purchases, after the Cherries paid £32m for Evanilson from FC Porto in 2024. He arrives after strong interest from Europe and the Middle East.
The Cherries moved decisively to beat rival suitors, including clubs from Saudi Arabia and Russia. Sporting director Tiago Pinto highlighted the project and pathway offered on the south coast. Bournemouth view Rayan as a long-term replacement for Antoine Semenyo, with immediate impact potential. The club continues to reinvest after recent outgoing sales. He joins a midfield currently decimated by injuries with Justin Kluivert, Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Marcus Tarvernier and David Brooks all injured.
Rayan broke through at Vasco as a teenager and has delivered consistent output. He has scored 25 goals in 99 senior appearances across competitions. Last season he netted 14 times in 34 top flight matches. The Brazil under 20 international adds power, pace and composure.
Rayan is a left footed centre forward who can also operate from either flank or as a secondary striker. Andoni Iraola values mobility, pressing and vertical threat in the final third. Those traits fit Rayan’s profile and the team’s structure. He is expected to share minutes while adapting to Premier League demands.
Data from Brazil highlights steady involvement across phases. Rayan averaged over two shots per match last season. He also contributed assists and secondary chances through carries. His duel success improved as the campaign progressed. Those trends suggest readiness for a step up.
The signing follows Antoine Semenyo’s move to Manchester City earlier this month. Bournemouth banked around £65m and acted quickly to refresh the attack. Rayan is not a like for like replacement, but offers goals and ball carrying. The club also secured goalkeeper Christos Mandas on loan to strengthen depth.
Rayan’s late runs and finishing stood out during Vasco’s campaign. He often attacked the near post and finished first time. His off-ball work helped create space for teammates. Coaches praised his maturity and decision making for his age.
Competition for places will shape his early minutes. Iraola can rotate across the front line during congested weeks. That flexibility should reduce pressure on a young arrival. Support staff plan tailored conditioning and language support. The aim is confidence and consistency.
The agreement includes a significant release clause set at 100 million euros. That figure reflects Bournemouth’s belief in the player’s ceiling. The structure protects future value while allowing development time. Shirt number 37 has been allocated for his debut season.
Bournemouth sit 13th in the Premier League on 30 points. Last week they stunned champions Liverpool 3-2 with an energetic display. The result underlined their threat on transitions and set pieces. Iraola’s side have shown resilience against elite opponents.
The Cherries travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend. Integrating Rayan will be gradual, with managed minutes expected. Training focus will center on pressing triggers and physical adaptation. Bournemouth aim to maintain momentum and climb the table.
