Tottenham continue to keep a close watch on Vasco da Gama striker Rayan, with Spurs taking the first transfer steps. The Brazilian club have made clear moves to protect their jewel until January, and possibly beyond.
Brazilian outlet O Globo detail that despite months of speculation and links with Spurs, Chelsea, Brighton, Barcelona, Zenit and others, no formal bids have reached São Januário.
The only side to have shown genuine intent so far is Porto. They explored the possibility of signing the 19-year-old. Still, Vasco’s leadership and the player’s representatives are aligned on a strategy. That is to pressure in the short term and maximise his value for a future sale.
Central to this plan is the renewal signed in April 2025, which extended Rayan’s deal until the end of 2026. His release clause was set at €40m (£34.3m). The clause gives Vasco protection, while also signalling the level at which negotiations could begin.
The club holds 70% of his rights. The remainder owned by the player, meaning both parties benefit from any appreciation in value. That isn’t unusual in Brazil.
€30m deal may be possible for Tottenham
Even so, some Brazilian journalists have reported that a transfer could realistically be agreed for around €30m (£25.7m). That figure would still make Rayan one of Vasco’s biggest ever sales.
The short-term priority is sporting and financial stability. Vasco are engaged in a relegation fight in the Brasileirão and cannot afford to lose Rayan.
President Pedrinho and manager Fernando Diniz reportedly agreed that selling Rayan now could seriously damage the campaign. Agreeing a deal in advance would cause the player to “lose focus”. The board also requested a court-approved loan to ensure salaries and commitments are covered until the end of the year.
At the same time, the player’s camp is shielding him from speculation. Rayan continues to focus on his performances, which have recently included goals against Flamengo and Cruzeiro. These displays, combined with his 12-goal tally in 2025, have only increased interest abroad.
Visibility is also growing on the international stage. Rodrigo Caetano, director of the Brazilian FA, was present at São Januário last weekend to watch him. Observers from Carlo Ancelotti’s staff have also attended games.
Tottenham’s emissaries have already enquired about his chances of a senior Brazil call-up, as we previously covered. Spurs know that such caps would ease the process of securing a work permit in England.
For now, Vasco’s plan is clear: keep Rayan until at least January. Protect him with a €40m clause, and bet on his performances to raise both his value.
Tottenham and other European clubs may be circling, but any deal will only be considered when the Rio side feel both the timing and the price are right.
Of course, for Tottenham waiting until January isn’t an issue given that’s when the window opens. Vasco don’t seen keen to negotiate before then.