Tottenham and Aston Villa remain firmly in the picture for Vasco da Gama’s highly rated forward Rayan. New reports from Brazil indicate the Rio de Janeiro club are preparing both for his potential departure, and for the possibility of keeping him longer.
According to Portuguese newspaper O Dia, the 19-year-old’s future has become the dominant topic at São Januário. The board now consider his exit before the end of the year increasingly likely. They have already set out the financial framework for a deal.
That makes it clear for Tottenham, Aston Villa and others.
Vasco are ready to open talks for offers starting at €30m (£25.7m), but sources claim a transfer could realistically be closed at €20m (£17.1m) plus another €5m (£4.3m) in performance-related bonuses.
The club privately admit that Rayan’s presence in 2026 is improbable, and they have begun planning the next season without him.
Tottenham willing to pay €30m
However, Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola has added a new twist to the story. He claims that Vasco president Pedrinho is working on a new contract renewal for Rayan. Months after his previous extension in April.
The aim is to push the deal beyond December 2026, ensuring the player cannot sign a pre-contract from July next year. Vasco also intend to raise his release clause from €40m to between €50m and €60m. They would make him one of the club’s highest earners, with wages already standing at around €85,000 per month.
This renewed push to “re-shield” the player comes amid growing European pressure. Tottenham have been monitoring him closely for months and sent scouts to Brazil earlier this year. They are now described as favourites to sign the striker.
According to Nicola, the London side are willing to go up to €30m to secure him, which would match Vasco’s price expectations. Aston Villa are also in the race.
Other clubs such as Barcelona, Chelsea, Brighton, Porto, Fiorentina, Zenit and even Nottingham Forest have been mentioned at different stages, highlighting just how wide the interest has become.
For Vasco, the situation is now a delicate balance between two strategies. Capitalising on Rayan’s soaring market value before December, or moving quickly to renew and further strengthen their control over his future.
Either way, the teenager’s rise has turned him into one of the most sought-after players in South America. Tottenham and Aston Villa are right at the heart of the chase.
