Tottenham Hotspur are searching for something fresh, something electric, and something that can change the way they attack under Thomas Frank. His time at Spurs began with promise and excitement, but the shine has faded a little as results have slowed and performances have started to feel predictable.
The January transfer window now feels like a crucial moment for Spurs, and one of the biggest needs in the squad is a genuine upgrade on the left wing. With growing links to players like Antoine Semenyo and Ademola Lookman, it’s clear that Tottenham are interested in adding more potency and creativity out wide. However, one name emerging from Brazil might be the most intriguing of all: Vasco da Gama’s 19-year-old sensation Rayan.
Tottenham have been struggling in key attacking areas despite enjoying plenty of the ball this season. Spurs are fifth in the Premier League in possession, but that control has not translated into danger.
They are surprisingly 17th in shot volume and have taken fewer shots than Aston Villa, Wolves, and several teams well below them in the table. While Liverpool and Arsenal have created over 50 more shots, Tottenham continue to look blunt in the final third and overly reliant on moments of individual magic.
Too often the plan seems to be to simply give Mohamed Kudus the ball and hope he can produce something out of nothing, especially down the right side where Tottenham’s attacks are heavily concentrated.
The left wing, meanwhile, has lacked inspiration. This is where Rayan enters the conversation, and his profile makes him one of the most exciting and realistic options Spurs could pursue.
The CIES Football Observatory described the teenager as “a technically skilled left-footed player who is fast, powerful, and elegant,” a combination of traits that instantly brings to mind the early years of Gareth Bale after his transformation from full-back to winger.
Rayan’s closest statistical comparison was even linked to Antoine Semenyo, another Tottenham target, which reinforces why Spurs see him as such an appealing fit.
Rayan’s playing style carries the same raw electricity that made Bale so special in his early Tottenham days. He is capable of cutting inside, beating his defender with strength or speed, and turning his dribbles into shots something Spurs badly need.
Although he primarily plays as a right winger, his versatility allows him to operate anywhere across the front line, and his left-footed technique naturally invites comparisons to great attacking wide players of the past.
At just 19, he has already shown significant promise. Despite Vasco’s difficult 2025 season, Rayan delivered 12 goals in 30 matches, proving he has an eye for goal as well as the confidence to take responsibility in big moments.
If he can translate even part of his Brazilian form to England, Tottenham could benefit massively. His average of 3.06 shots per 90 minutes in Brazil would place him among the Premier League’s most active forwards in terms of shot output.
Players like Bale and, more recently, Jeremy Doku have shown the value of giving explosive young dribblers room to grow in a top league. While Rayan may need time to adapt, the long-term reward could be enormous if Spurs are patient and willing to invest in his development.
Thomas Frank is also the type of coach who thrives when working with young, hungry players who arrive from lesser-known backgrounds. During his time at Brentford, he helped shape the careers of David Raya, Ivan Toney, Ezri Konsa, and Bryan Mbeumo, all of whom grew into Premier League-quality talents after arriving from lower divisions or smaller clubs.
Even signings like Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa came from teams without major European pedigree, yet Frank and his staff turned them into dangerous attackers. Bringing Rayan into an environment like that would not be unfamiliar territory for the Danish manager, who has proven time and time again that he can elevate players with raw potential into stars.
Rayan’s contract runs until the end of 2026, and ESPN valued him at around €30 million, with a release clause of €40 million roughly £35 million. Given the amount of interest in him, it would not be surprising if the final fee landed near that figure. Several clubs have already been tracking him, including Real Betis, Porto, Fiorentina, and Aston Villa.
He has even attracted the attention of Saudi giants Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, but the winger has made it clear that his ambition is to move to Europe rather than head to the Middle East.
Vasco da Gama know they are unlikely to keep him beyond the start of the next Brazilian season. Tottenham, meanwhile, stand out as one of the biggest and most exciting destinations available to him.
The opportunity to develop under a manager like Thomas Frank, the chance to play Premier League football at one of England’s top clubs, and the possibility of becoming the next great wide talent in North London could be too tempting for Rayan to ignore.
For Spurs, this could be the kind of signing that brings energy, unpredictability, and the spark they have been missing. Rayan has the potential to grow into a special player, and for a club searching for their next Gareth Bale-style breakthrough, this £35 million opportunity might be the perfect moment to act.
