Vasco da Gama forward Rayan is making history on the pitch. That’s why clubs such as Tottenham and Aston Villa continue to monitor him closely.
His rise is still going beyond transfer talk. According to a report by Globo Esporte, the 19-year-old has reached a new level of consistency. He’s now among the most productive young forwards in Brazil.
Rayan has scored 14 goals in all competitions this year, four of them in his last four matches. He’s become the leading U20 scorer in the country alongside Palmeiras’ Vitor Roque.
In the Brasileirão, Rayan has nine goals and is fighting for the U20 top-scorer spot. A mark that would put him in elite company.
The list of players who previously topped the under-20 scoring charts in Brazil includes names such as Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Rodrygo, Marcos Leonardo and Estêvão. All of those went on to build high-profile careers overseas. It’s no surprise that Tottenham, Aston Villa and others are keen.
Manager Fernando Diniz has been full of praise for the young striker’s development, saying: “He’s a very different player, one of the few forwards in Brazil who is complete. Tall, fast, left-footed, strong in the air, and capable of playing across the front line.”
He also stressed that “he tracks back well, helps defensively, and can play as a winger, a false nine, a centre-forward, or on the opposite flank”. A positive overview on the youngster’s abilities.
Tottenham and Aston Villa interest is justified
This mix of talent, versatility and maturity explains why Tottenham and Aston Villa are both keeping close watch. Spurs have already sent scouts to Brazil and are seen as favourites to make a move. Villa are seeking a winger with goal-scoring ability and have identified Rayan as a strong fit.
The teenager is under contract until December 2026, and Vasco have made it clear that they would only open talks for offers around €30m (£25.7m), despite his €40m (£34.3m) release clause.
Yet the player’s continued evolution, both statistically and technically, means his value could rise again before January.
From a promising academy graduate to one of the most decisive under-20 forwards in South America, Rayan’s progression is now being written in goals, not rumours.
And Tottenham and Aston Villa are watching closely as he continues to join the ranks of Brazilian prodigies who made their mark before heading to Europe.
