Manchester United are always looking to sign elite young talents from across the footballing world, and Brazil’s Rayan fits into this recruitment policy perfectly.
Despite only being 19, Rayan has already established himself as one of the best strikers in the Brazilian top division with Vasco da Gama.
Tall, strong, quick, and technical, Rayan has everything a top striker needs to succeed in English football, and he will only get better.
Now, his performances have impressed Manchester United and Ineos’ recruitment team, who are now considering a transfer move for the starlet.
Manchester United planning to sign Rayan in January
Manchester United missed the chance to sign Estevao from Palmeiras before he joined Chelsea and is now shining in English football.
So it makes sense that United are keen to sign one of the hottest talents currently playing in Brazil in the form of Rayan from Vasco da Gama.
It is according to Brazilian outlet Bola VIP that United are very excited about the talent of Rayan, with Vasco da Gama management expecting ‘proposals very soon’ for their main asset.
United have presented themselves as strong suitors, the report writes, with plans to sign the 19-year-old in the upcoming January transfer window.
Negotiations are expected to open soon between United and Vasco, with the Brazilian side set to demand an important fee, knowing they can’t hold onto him if these arrive.
Adding Rayan to an already excellent attack would potentially be explosive, and his arrival could signal Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United exit.
Who is Vasco da Gama star Rayan?
Rayan is only 19, but this season for Vasco, he has become a star, scoring 16 goals in 46 games, or one goal every 225 minutes. This is while playing mainly as a right winger, but his future lies up front.
Speaking with ESPN Brazil, Vasco head coach Fernando Diniz spoke glowingly about Rayan, arguing he is Brazil’s best striker right now.
“I was supposed to go. When I got here, I said he was unsaleable. He sells me, he sells whatever he wants, the field, the crossbars, but he doesn’t sell Rayan. His potential is immense; he is only at the beginning. You’re appropriating the talent. Perhaps he is the most complete striker in Brazilian football, without a doubt.
“He acts open, nine, ten, very strong, explosive, scores goals, is left-handed. Everything you can imagine from a player, he has. It’s very special,” Diniz concluded.
Rayan possesses excellent finishing, dribbling, and strength, which makes him a real handful for defenders.
United might have to pay somewhere between £20m and £23m for Rayan, which is his market value according to CIES, but his contract expires in December 2026, meaning if he doesn’t sign a new deal soon, he might be sold on a discount.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
