The 19-year-old Brazilian signed for AFC Bournemouth yesterday for a fee of around £30m.
The teenager is a left-footed forward who scored 25 goals in 99 games for Brazilian side CR Vasco da Gama.
He becomes the third Brazilian in the Cherries’ history, joining former goalkeeper Norberto Neto and current striker Evanilson.
Debuting for his former side, Vasco, at just 16 years of age he also joins a long list of players to play for the side and play in the Premier League.
Rayan said to AFCBTV: “I am very happy to play amongst the best and proving myself.”
Rayan was sought after by clubs across Europe, with many hoping to sign the star this January.
He said: “Bournemouth built a very good sporting project for me, they have amazing work with developing talent, we received many proposals but Bournemouth was different.”
His father, Valkmar, also played for Vasco back in the late 90’s, so footballing talent has been in his family for generations.
Rayan said: “My father has been helping me and supporting me since I was very young, since I joined Vasco when I was six years old. He influenced me a lot and he still influences me.”
He makes the trip across the globe as a replacement for Ghanaian forward, Antoine Semenyo, who joined Manchester City in a deal worth around £65m earlier in the January transfer window.
Semenyo had 10 goals in the Premier League for Bournemouth, so Rayan has some big boots to fill.
Brazilian journalist, Bruno Murito, said: “He’s one of the best youth attackers in Brazil, he has so much potential, he’s the best prospect at Vasco since Phillipe Coutinho (former Liverpool star).”
Rayan is reported to have a £100m release clause in his contract and Murito believes he is good enough to reach that price tag.
He added: “The price that Bournemouth is paying sounds very cheap in Brazil, Vasco financially has many problems, they are struggling to pay bills so they are getting less than what they really want for Rayan.”
Rayan has also represented his country at under-17 and under-20 levels, scoring 10 goals and getting two assists.
Murito said: “For the next World Cup in 2030, Rayan has a really good chance to be in the squad, Carlo Ancelotti (Brazilian national team manager) has been to games to watch him.”
We could see Rayan’s talent as early as Saturday as AFC Bournemouth travel to Wolves in the Premier League.
Listen to our mini pod with Bruno Murito which is out on SoundCloud.
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