Tottenham’s long-standing interest in Vasco da Gama sensation Rayan looks more justified every week.
The 19-year-old keeps delivering performances that make him impossible to ignore. On Monday night, in front of more than 60,000 fans at the Maracanã, he scored one goal, created another and led Vasco to a 2-0 win over Fluminense in a local derby.
It was his 16th goal of the season. Another clear reason why Premier League scouts keep returning to watch him.
The victory also showed how vital Rayan has become for a side that was once fighting to avoid the drop. His confidence has grown visibly in recent months. Meanwhile, his influence on matches continues to increase, as told by Globo Esporte.
The Tottenham target now combines the explosiveness from his academy days with sharper tactical understanding and calmness in decisive moments. In Brazil, coaches often describe his development as “explosive”. Even opponents admit he looks like one of the most complete young players in the league.
Manager pushes for Brazil call-up – Tottenham want that
After the game, Vasco manager Fernando Diniz praised the striker’s evolution and said he deserves a look from Brazil’s World Cup staff. “Rayan only confirms what I saw very early,” Diniz told reporters. “He has to be on the World Cup radar. He’s becoming more solid, more confident, and establishing himself as a great forward. The Rayan of tomorrow will be better than the Rayan of today. He’s very special.”
Diniz called him “a complete player”. Tall, fast, left-footed, strong in the air and dangerous from anywhere. Those words have reached Europe. Tottenham’s scouts, who have been watching Rayan for several months, are known to appreciate his intelligence and strength.
The London club were among the first in England to spot his rise, as we already reported. As a result, they sent representatives to Brazil earlier this season. His latest performance, in a packed derby, will only reinforce the belief that he could adapt quickly to Premier League football.
Tottenham have also been in contact, asking themselves about about a Brazil call as they know it’d aid a work permit. An offer worth around €30m is expected from Spurs.
Admiration from Coutinho and teammates
Inside the dressing room, Rayan’s teammates echo the same admiration. Philippe Coutinho, who has played for Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, showed deep respect for the youngster’s rise.
“He’s a jewel,” Coutinho said. “I’m very happy for what he’s living. He’s humble, works hard, keeps his feet on the ground, and deserves everything that’s happening. It’s a pleasure to play with him at the start of his career.”
That respect shows how far Rayan has come in just one year. What once looked like potential has now turned into consistency. His goals lifted Vasco up the table and made him a symbol of the club’s recovery. As a result, he is now one of the most important young players in Brazil.
Premier League-ready talent
For Tottenham, the timing of Rayan’s rise could hardly be better. The club have been searching the South American market for versatile forwards. They know Rayan can play through the middle, drift wide or drop deeper to link play. His intelligence and athletic profile make him a natural fit for English football.
Whether an official offer arrives in January or next summer remains uncertain. Still, few in Brazil doubt that his next move is approaching, especially considering reported interest from Aston Villa, Newcastle, Porto, Barcelona and now Arsenal.
With every game, Rayan looks more ready for the challenge ahead. As both Diniz and Coutinho have made clear, he’s more than a promising teenager. He already performs like a player destined for Europe.