Rayan has put Vasco in front of a choice no executive enjoys making, deciding whether to hold on to a highly valued player or accept that the market’s timing doesn’t always match the club’s. The 19-year-old forward has made it clear he’s interested in playing for Bournemouth in England, and the Premier League side is working with an offer in the range of €35 million. There’s no deal in place yet, but one factor carries real weight in negotiations like this, the player’s will. When that comes into play so openly, everything shifts, and Vasco is fully aware of it.
The situation isn’t simple. Rayan is under contract through December 2028, has an €80 million release clause and is internally valued at around €50 million. On paper, the club is protected. In reality, the talks are less about the headline fee and more about what happens behind the scenes, especially the split of economic rights. As reported by ESPN, Vasco would currently be entitled to 60 percent of any sale. The remaining share is divided between the player’s family and his agents. That math is what slows any quicker progress.
Why the sporting project mattered more than the badge
Rayan’s interest in Bournemouth isn’t driven by the club’s size, but by the context. Playing in the Premier League has always been a personal goal, and his camp believes joining a team that guarantees minutes and weekly exposure can speed up his development. Bournemouth, despite lacking major historical stature, has recently built a reputation as an efficient seller in the European market. Players move on from there straight to bigger clubs, often for significant fees.
Other destinations were considered. Zenit, for instance, came in with a similar proposal, around €31 million, and Vasco didn’t even entertain talks. The reason was straightforward. Rayan has no interest in playing soccer in Russia, especially with clubs barred from UEFA competitions. There were also inquiries and monitoring from teams like Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, but none came close to matching the English move financially.
The five-year contract offered by Bournemouth was well received precisely because it provides stability and room to grow. For the player, it’s less about status and more about the sporting landscape.
The financial deadlock setting the pace of talks
Bournemouth has kept a representative in Brazil and believes the negotiations will still take a few days to unfold. The English club knows this isn’t the only sensitive point in the discussions and is betting on dialogue. On Vasco’s side, the approach is cautious. The front office is trying to increase its share of the deal and is pushing for an agreement that reduces the financial hit, including asking the player to reconsider part of his own rights.
Accepting the offer now would bring in significant revenue, but also the feeling of selling below peak potential. Holding on to Rayan, on the other hand, keeps a key player in the squad, but risks cooling off a market that rarely knocks twice on the same door.