Liverpool’s new head coach Andoni Iraola is a “huge fan” of Bournemouth winger Rayan, according to reports, as the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, encounter a setback in their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande. Iraola’s appointment follows the dismissal of Arne Slot after a season that fell short of expectations.
Iraola arrives at Anfield having led Bournemouth to a historic qualification for next season’s Europa League. The i Paper reports that Iraola’s admiration for Rayan, who joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in January 2026, could lead to a transfer approach. The 19-year-old Brazilian international has made a promising start to his career with five goals and two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions for the Cherries.
Liverpool had already identified Rayan as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah before Iraola’s arrival, and the new manager’s enthusiasm for the player has reportedly “opened the door” for the Reds to make a formal move. However, expectations are that Rayan will remain at Bournemouth until at least January 2027.
Rayan’s contract is believed to include a release clause of £130 million that activates in January, decreasing in value with each subsequent transfer window. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s attempts to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig are facing resistance, with sources indicating the Bundesliga club are confident of retaining the Ivory Coast international for at least another season. Diomande himself is not currently pushing for a move, complicating Liverpool’s plans to secure his signature before the 2026 World Cup.
The potential acquisition of Rayan would address a key attacking need following Salah’s departure, while the pursuit of Diomande highlights Liverpool’s intent to refresh their forward options under Iraola.
