Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to make a serious move for Brazilian wonderkid Rayan as they aim to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the January transfer window.
The North London club, under the guidance of Thomas Frank, are showing a clear intention to add more pace and creativity to their front line, and Rayan has quickly become one of their top priorities.
Reports from South America, however, paint a mixed picture of the young forward’s future, with conflicting claims about whether his club, Vasco da Gama, are ready to sell.
Sources suggest that Tottenham are willing to pay around £25.7 million for the highly-rated 19-year-old, though negotiations could hinge on his release clause.
Rayan’s current contract reportedly includes a €40 million (£34.3 million) buyout clause, but Tottenham’s early approach indicates they may be trying to negotiate a lower fee.
The club’s recruitment team has already done background work on securing a potential work permit for the youngster, showing that they are serious about completing the deal as soon as the window opens.
Reports from Portuguese outlet O Dia have suggested that Vasco da Gama are now resigned to losing Rayan, with growing European interest making it increasingly difficult to keep hold of their star forward.
The publication claims the Brazilian side have already begun preparing for life without him and are open to listening to offers starting at around €30 million (£25.7 million).
Sources close to the negotiations also believe that a deal could be finalized for €20 million (£17.1 million) plus up to €5 million (£4.3 million) in performance-related bonuses.
If that valuation proves accurate, Tottenham could secure one of South America’s brightest prospects for a fee well below his release clause.
Rayan’s explosive pace, direct dribbling, and sharp finishing have caught the eye of several scouts across Europe. Chelsea and Brighton are among the clubs reportedly monitoring the situation closely, meaning Spurs will have to act fast if they want to avoid a bidding war.
However, not everyone agrees that Rayan is destined to leave Brazil this winter. Journalist Jorge Nicola has reported on his YouTube channel that Vasco president Pedrinho is making strong efforts to keep the teenage sensation at the club.
According to Nicola, Vasco are already in talks to extend Rayan’s contract, with plans to increase his release clause from €40 million (£34.3 million) to between €50 million (£43.5 million) and €60 million (£52.2 million).
This move would make it significantly harder for Tottenham or any other European club to sign him in January.
To further complicate the situation, Vasco are said to be preparing an offer that would make Rayan their highest-paid player. The club sees him as a cornerstone for the future and are desperate to resist the growing pull from European football.
However, even with a new contract on the table, the teenager’s ambition to play at the highest level may ultimately tip the scales in Spurs’ favor.
Tottenham’s recruitment strategy under ENIC’s £100 million cash injection has clearly shifted towards targeting young, high-potential talents with strong resale value.
Rayan fits that profile perfectly an energetic, unpredictable forward capable of operating across the front line, known for his flair and composure in the final third. Scouts have compared his playing style to that of Vinícius Júnior, citing his blend of speed, control, and confidence against defenders.
If Spurs succeed in bringing Rayan to North London, he could provide Thomas Frank with a dynamic attacking option capable of changing games both from the start and off the bench.
His arrival would also signal Tottenham’s growing intent to compete aggressively for emerging global stars, not just established names.
While there’s still uncertainty surrounding Vasco’s final decision, Tottenham’s pursuit of Rayan reflects their broader commitment to youth, energy, and attacking football.
Whether the deal closes at £25.7 million or ends up closer to his full release clause, Spurs appear determined to make a statement in January. The coming weeks will be decisive either Vasco manage to keep their star with a lucrative new deal, or Tottenham pull off another shrewd signing that strengthens their long-term future.
Either way, Rayan’s next move looks set to be one of the major stories of the winter transfer window, and Tottenham are right in the thick of it.
