Aston Villa have joined the growing race for Vasco da Gama’s rising star Rayan. ESPN Brazil reveal new details about the English club’s interest, and the price it would take to open negotiations.
According to the report, the Premier League side are looking for a winger who can combine pace with goal-scoring ability. Rayan’s form in 2025 has made him an appealing target.
The 19-year-old has scored 14 goals this season, including braces and decisive performances. This has confirmed his evolution into one of the most influential young forwards in Brazilian football.
Vasco have already been approached by several clubs over the past months. ESPN claim that Aston Villa are now among those monitoring him most seriously.
The Rio de Janeiro club, aware of the growing European interest, have informed suitors that they are willing to open talks for offers starting at €30m (£25.7m). That’s despite Rayan’s release clause standing at €40m (£34.3m).
Sources quoted by ESPN add that a deal could realistically be done for €20m (£17.1m). Another €5m (£4.3m) would be needed in performance-related bonuses.
The outlet also states that Vasco’s board already expect to sell the player before the end of 2025. They’ve begun planning their 2026 season without him. Rayan renewed his contract in April, which runs until December 2026, and currently earns around R$350,000 per month.
Earlier this year, Real Betis were reportedly the first to make contact, followed by Porto, whose offer did not meet Vasco’s expectations. Fiorentina also made a bid of €8m (£6.9m) in late 2024, which was rejected.
Aston Villa join Tottenham, Chelsea and Brighton
Until the middle of this year, Rayan had only attracted approaches from Saudi Arabia – notably Al Nassr and Al Hilal. He made clear his priority was to move to Europe.
That decision has paid off. Over the past few months, the number of European clubs watching him has grown rapidly, with Aston Villa now joining Tottenham, Chelsea and Brighton in the long list of admirers.
Inside Vasco, the plan remains to delay any sale until the right offer arrives, ensuring both sporting stability and maximum financial return.
But with Aston Villa’s scouting team now involved and the club’s price tag clearly set, it seems only a matter of time before one of Europe’s sides takes the next step.
