With the expanded summer World Cup out in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico now coming to a close, the eyes of Liverpool fans up and down the country will return to Anfield for Andoni Iraola’s start to life in his first season at the club.
Appointing the former Bournemouth manager was certainly a bold choice for the clubs’ executive board, as whilst it is obvious that the 44 year old Spaniard has plenty of tactical nous, it is not unfair to say that he is not used to a weight of expectation from the Dean Court stands. With the club already beginning to spend big again this year as they look to put Arne Slot’s speedy rise and fall behind them, for fans who like betting on football and having the odd flutter on predictions and results, it is set to be a fascinating season for eager neutral on lookers.
Having already secured the services of Victor Munoz, and Jeremy Jacquet for just under a combined £100 million despite the summer distraction, it is expected that transfer moves will now take centre stage with the big Premier League kick off in August so near and Liverpool continue to be linked with the likes of Yan Diomande, Ibrahim Mbaye, Bradley Barcola and a plethora of numerous other top European talents.
One of the latest links this week is not actually that surprising for the speculation rumour mill as it involves a return for Bournemouth’s incredibly talented attacker Rayan. The 19 year old six capped full Brazilian international has already won plenty of plaudits in the English top flight following his arrival at the club in the January New Year window.
Having initially arrived from Vasco da Gama where he made his debut as a 16 year old for a reported £30 million with add ons included, Bournemouth would be looking for an immediate uplift of at least double should they be open to cashing in this quick – particularly as it is suggested that the recruitment team agree with the manager that Rayan could be the long term replacement for the legend that was Mohamed Salah.
Whilst Liverpool are only said to be at the enquiry stages so far as they weigh up the multiple options available to them, Rayan will be a favourite for the gaffer given their existing working relationship and the fact that he was clearly happy with the player taking his instructions on board.
It should also be remembered that Liverpool were tracking him back in January but greater game time was important, and the player was justified in his choice. Both of those points would obviously give an advantage if talks were to open now, but naturally it would not help the negotiations on the fee unless the player unexpected started to kick up some kind of fuss.
Given the performances and a return of three goals in his final five games of the campaign (13 appearances, five goals and two assists in total), added to four appearances at the summer World Cup, Liverpool will certainly not be the only club interested in seeing if a deal could be secured – but that just helps drive the price up for his parent club.
It is certainly a deal worth watching though.
