Journalism & News from Bournemouth University

Cherries agree deal in principle for Rayan

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Vitality Stadium
The Vitality Stadium. Credit: Jack Hillman

It has been announced that AFC Bournemouth have agreed a deal in principle with Brazillian side Vasco da Gama for winger Vitor Simplício Rocha also known as Rayan.

Details on the deal revealed by Mark McAdam show that the package is worth £35 million.

McAdam adds that the 19-year-old is seen as the long-term replacement for Antoine Semenyo but they believe to be a player that can have an immediate impact on the pitch.

The player has a ‘complex ownership structure’ but Rayan’s desire to join the Cherries and play in the Premier League was key to getting the deal agreed.

Rayan has scored 25 goals in 99 games for Vasco da Gama and has only played one game this season due to talks about his future.

The signing has been accelerated by the departure of winger Antoine Semenyo who joined Manchester City in a deal worth £72 million.

Semenyo scored ten goals for Bournemouth in the Premier League which leaves the club with big shoes to fill.

If Rayan completes his move, he will be the third signing for the Cherries in the January transfer window after Alex Toth joined the team yesterday.

The window has added pressure for the Cherries as their injury list continues to grow.

Absences to Justin Kluivert, Tyler Adam, David Brooks and Marcus Tavernier in addition to the departure of Antoine Semenyo means the Cherries need plenty of newcomers through the door.

The January transfer window is difficult to negotiate for many clubs as buying players isn’t easy.

Clubs aren’t willing to let their players go in the middle of the season and so the only way they will is if they receive a large sum of money.

Other factors can be players forcing moves or contractual situations such as release clauses being activated.

The Cherries haven’t struggled in the past to sign players in the January transfer window. In January 2023, the club signed five players including Ilia Zabarnyi and Antoine Semenyo.

With a short turnaround before hosting Liverpool on Saturday, it is unknown whether Rayan can make it through the door in time.