Sport Witness

Tottenham target Rayan has shaken up his off-pitch situation. Spanish outlet Sport reported that the Vasco forward has ended his working relationship with super-agent Pini Zahavi.

The article did not appear by chance. Barcelona are one of the European clubs most closely linked to the 19-year-old in recent months, which explains the Catalan focus.

According to journalist Joaquim Piera, Rayan chose not to renew the temporary intermediation agreement that allowed Zahavi to manage his career outside Brazil. As a result, the contract expired.

The Tottenham target and his Brazilian representatives then decided to take back full control of the process. Zahavi, meanwhile, continues to enjoy an excellent relationship with Barcelona, where sporting director Deco is said to admire Rayan’s profile. There is already a direct line of communication between Barça and the player’s camp.

However, whether Zahavi’s exit proves temporary or definitive remains unclear. Still, the Spanish outlet suggests this change does not significantly alter Barcelona’s internal assessment.

On the pitch, Rayan’s rise continues regardless of the surrounding noise. He closed the season with 20 goals. He also starred in the Copa do Brasil final defeat to Corinthians at the Maracanã. Although Vasco fell short again, the lack of silverware did little to dent his standing.

Looking ahead, Sport states that Rayan’s roadmap becomes clearer from January. First, he aims to convince Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the World Cup, despite fierce competition. Then comes the expected move to Europe in the summer window.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon has been on loan at Villarreal since summer deadline day.

The Israel international managed a goal and an assist in his first two La Liga matches, leaving the Spanish media impressed. Since then, he’s dropped out of the picture.

Villarreal aren’t pleased with the Tottenham owned player’s overall loan spell. Earlier this month, El Periódico Mediterráneo reported the striker’s entourage aren’t ruling out an exit in the winter market.

Onda Cero now state the Spurs man ‘hasn’t ruled out’ leaving Villarreal due to his limited game time. If he were to leave, it’ll free up space, both in their squad and on the wage bill.

Saturday’s edition of AS reports the Yellow Submarine are focusing more on outgoings than incomings for next month. Solomon has become ‘one of the hot potatoes’ they have. Therefore, the Spanish club are seeking a solution for the 26-year-old.

The Tottenham loanee has played only five matches since October’s international break. The report states a source close to him recently shared he’s not happy with his situation and is considering his future at Villarreal.

AS claim there’s a release clause that will allow Solomon to cut short his loan stay in January.

He could return to Spurs by activating the clause. If that happens, Thomas Frank has to decide whether to include him in his plans or send him on loan elsewhere.

Earlier this week, Tottenham player Radu Dragusin’s agent made it clear that the defender is seeking regular first-team football.

He also went on to flirt with a move to Inter Milan, suggesting that an exit will be on the cards if the player doesn’t feature enough for Spurs.

With Fabio Paratici now close to leaving Tottenham for Fiorentina, the Italian can play a key role in Dragusin’s future.

FirenzeViola report that the 23-year-old could be in line for a move to Florence. He is one of the many names liked by the club, with the Romanian’s situation ‘worth keeping an eye on’.

Tuttomercatoweb also indicate something similar.

The outlet believe that Fiorentina want to sign a centre-back in January. With La Viola struggling in Serie A, Paratici will be tasked with making key signings as soon as he can.

As a result, Dragusin is one of the names being considered for a January move.

This comes after FirenzeViola reported Fiorentina making an enquiry for the centre-back last month.

Tottenham had rejected the approach at that point but there’s belief that Paratici’s arrival can change their stance.

Earlier in December, Corriere dello Sport reported Arsenal have made initial contact for Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz. Tottenham are now emerging as competitors for the Turkish talent.

TuttoJuve report that a tug-of-war is currently ongoing between Yildiz and Juventus over a renewal.

The 20-year-old is demanding a wage of over £5m in his new deal. He wants his wages to reflect his value and importance in the current squad. This is proving to be too much for Juve, who are operating on strict financial terms and don’t want to overstep boundaries.

This demand from Yildiz isn’t fazing Arsenal and Tottenham and they can now take advantage.

It is believed that even if Juve will do everything to keep the attacker, they could be resigned to losing him due to financial worries.

Arsenal see Yildiz as a partner for Martin Ødegaard, someone who can help build attacks. Tottenham see him as someone who will add urgency to the attack, with Chelsea also mentioned as a suitor.

Yildiz’s contract in Turin runs out in 2029. Even if Spurs and their rivals can easily afford his wages, Juve will demand a big fee for the youngster.

On Tuesday, Tuttomercatoweb reported Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin can return to Serie A in January or next summer.

Spurs were believed to be looking for €30m to sell the defender, who has just recovered from an ACL injury.

He was on the bench in Tottenham’s dramatic loss to Liverpool at the weekend. His return to fitness has led to a lot of talk in Italy, with Roma now mentioned as a suitor.

Gazzetta dello Sport report Gian Piero Gasperini’s side want a new centre-back. Dragusin is seen as a major option, amidst a belief that he can resurrect his career at the Italian capital.

The newspaper are optimistic that Tottenham can open up to an initial loan with an option to buy for the Romanian, who last played a game in January 2025.

It is believed that Dragusin’s name is rising on Roma’s shortlist, despite them being offered Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.

This comes right after FirenzeViola reported Fiorentina interest in the 23-year-old. It was claimed that Tottenham rejected an enquiry from the Florence club last month.

The outlet were confident that things could now change, with Fabio Paratici about to join Fiorentina.

All of this points to the fact that Dragusin’s entourage is possibly looking for a way out, with the defender likely to be a back-up at Spurs. That is the reason behind a sudden increase in speculation about the player.

On Wednesday, Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin’s agent spoke to DigiSport about the player’s situation in London.

He made it clear that the defender is seeking regular game time and went on to flirt about a move to Inter Milan.

Calciomercato IT take note of the Romanian’s situation and believe that the Nerazzurri are interested in the 23-year-old.

They report that manager Cristian Chivu wants the Tottenham player in January, as Inter want a centre-back next month.

There is confidence that Spurs will be interested in Dragusin’s loan exit, especially if they’re offered an option or obligation to buy.

The Romania international isn’t Inter’s only target from Tottenham. They view Guglielmo Vicario as a replacement for Yann Sommer. The 29-year-old is said to be keen on a return to the Serie A, where he impressed with Empoli in the past.

The outlet are uncertain about Spurs’ asking price for the goalkeeper but it is likely to be around €25-€30m.

It is also mentioned that both Vicario and Dragusin are represented by the same agency. This could prove important in Inter potentially landing the duo, as they also have a good relationship with the entourage.

This can also lead to talk about the two players’ move to Inter possibly growing in the next few weeks.

Tottenham target Rayan continues to dominate the Brazilian transfer agenda. Vasco have rejected another approach for the forward, this time from Zenit.

The update was reported by journalist Venê Casagrande, who detailed the structure of the latest proposal and the club’s firm response.

According to the report, Zenit submitted an offer worth around €31m as a fixed fee, payable in four instalments, plus up to €4m in bonuses. Those bonuses were tied exclusively to team achievements, including €500,000 for winning the Russian league and €250,000 for lifting the Russian Cup. The incentives would apply across all seasons Rayan spent at the club, with a capped total.

Vasco turned the proposal down and made their stance clear. The club are asking for €50m to negotiate the attacker. The expectation in Brazil is that Zenit will return with a counteroffer. It was also noted that the bid arrived via intermediaries authorised by Zenit, rather than through Rayan’s official representatives.

Further context came from club insider Joel Silva, who added that Rayan and his camp are not open to a move to Russia, Portugal or Turkey. Their focus remains on top-tier European leagues and clubs.

In that scenario, Zenit would only enter the conversation at the €50m mark. Silva also stated that, for a “European giant”, the financial demands could be lower.

Even though Spurs are still very much in the picture, it was Crystal Palace who reportedly made the first enquiry last week. Premier League’s stature should help, but even Real Madrid was linked at some point. So we’re in for a good story in January.

At 19, Rayan remains at the centre of an increasingly complex market picture. Vasco are holding firm, the player’s camp are selective. Interest across Europe continues to build, with destination now as important as price.

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United could battle for Al-Hilal’s Rúben Neves in the winter market.

That’s at least what Sabah are reporting, when covering Galatasaray’s interest in the 28-year-old.

Earlier this week, claims from Spain indicated of Manchester United potentially facing a tussle with Real Madrid to sign Neves. Tottenham and Newcastle United are now thrown into the mix.

The midfielder has just over six months left on his contract and the renewal with Al-Hilal doesn’t seem to be in sight.

Galatasaray want to take advantage of this as they are keen on securing his services. It’s claimed the Portugal international is ‘ready to leave’ Saudi Arabia, and this favours the Turkish club.

Sabah warns of a ‘significant and strong competition’ from Tottenham, Newcastle United and especially Manchester United. They indicate the Red Devils are keen on the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man.

According to the newspaper, Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle United are all ‘preparing offers’ to sign Neves. This is likely for the January window.

The details are not mentioned, while a €25m price is quoted. However, this is based on his Transfermarkt valuation. The price for January could be lower considering Neves’ contract expires next June.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Radu Drăgușin has recovered from a serious injury he suffered in January.

The Romania international is yet to make a competitive appearance for Spurs this season. Last weekend, Thomas Frank left him on the bench in Tottenham’s defeat to Liverpool.

On Tuesday, TuttoMercatoWeb reported there’s a very high chance he could move to Italy, either in January or next summer. They also stated AS Roma, Napoli and Fiorentina could be potential destinations.

Earlier today, TMW journalist Alessio Lento explained the centre-back will hold talks with Thomas Frank before considering an exit in the winter market.

Digi Sport in Romania got in touch with Drăgușin’s agent Florin Manea. He explains the 23-year-old will have to consider changing clubs if he can’t enjoy regular minutes at the north London club.

“He couldn’t have played in December, January [wasn’t registered for the Champions League]. Maybe that’s why there are speculations,” he said.

“These are speculations, we are calculating them. We haven’t made any decision, but we will see. If the number of matches isn’t what we want, then we will also take this into account [leaving Tottenham].”

The former Genoa man has a contract until 2030, and the Europa League winners have no plans to sell him. The representative adds his client has a decision to make on his future, considering there’s interest and offers.

“The club’s position is that they don’t want to sell him, but I will think about it. I talk to him, and we will see what decision we will make,” Manea explained.

“There would be offers, there is interest. From England as well, but a smaller club, so Italy is best, you go to a bigger club.”

Fiorentina have been credited with an interest, partly because of Spurs sporting director, Fabio Paratici. La Viola want to appoint the Italian as their head of football.

Manea has also responded to the Fiorentina and the Inter Milan links.

“I don’t know, he [Paratici] has just moved. There is speculation. So far, no one has called me. It is a situation in balance,” he added.

“I haven’t spoken to [Inter manager] Chivu, I only called him to congratulate him. I know that in the summer he will look for a central defender for Inter. If we decide to have more games by the summer, we will announce and maybe Chivu will call me.”

“He’s got 4.5 years left at Tottenham, but the problem is that he was kept away for 11 months due to injury, I can’t wait another seven. We need to find a solution to play more matches until the summer. He’s 100% determined to play. Now we have to think until January.”

Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a boost in the race for Brazilian talent Rayan, as he’s broken from super-agent Pini Zahavi.

Why is that a boost? Well, if Sport are to be believed, it means he’s one step further away from potentially joining Barcelona.

The newspaper explains that Rayan had temporarily signed with Zahavi to represent him outside of Brazil. However, that deal has now expired. According to their information, the player and his Brazilian representatives decided not to renew it.

That’s a blow for Barcelona. Deco, their director of football, likes the youngster. And a deal may have been facilitated thanks to the relationship he and the club have with the Israeli super-agent.

They also have a very good professional relationship with his Brazilian agents, and there is a direct line of communication with them. In fact, the newspaper is insistent that Zahavi’s non involvement isn’t a major change.

The likes of Tottenham might feel differently though. They’ve also been linked with a move, of around €50m, and might have had to work around Zahavi to make that happen.

Now he’s seemingly out of the picture. Tottenham’s chances of beating Barcelona at least are surely much higher.