Tottenham Hotspur are pushing hard to secure one of South America’s brightest prospects. Rayan, the 19-year-old winger from Vasco da Gama, has emerged as a serious target for Spurs, who are now reportedly leading the race ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Brighton. The move highlights a continued shift in Tottenham’s recruitment strategy, one that prioritises high-ceiling talent before it becomes unreachable.
Tottenham scouts impressed by Rayan’s rise at Vasco da Gama
Spurs recently sent scouts to Brazil to watch Rayan in person, according to Calciomercato.it, and the response was immediate. The teenager’s pace, sharp one-on-one ability, and growing maturity in the final third have made him a standout in the Brasileiro. His release clause stands at €40 million (£34.3m), though Vasco are believed to be open to offers between €20m–€30m.
Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest, but Tottenham are now seen as frontrunners, having laid early groundwork on both a deal and potential work permit logistics, a key step if the club are targeting a January transfer.
Spurs in early talks with player’s camp
Tottenham have reportedly opened discussions with Rayan’s representatives to assess the winger’s interest in a move to North London. The club are also exploring the possibility of securing a UK work permit, a move that shows they consider Rayan a short-term option as well as a long-term asset. A first senior Brazil call-up, rumoured to be imminent, could ease the process further.
This level of preparation underlines how serious Spurs are about the move. It’s not just a speculative approach; there’s a clear intention to act decisively if terms can be agreed ahead of the January window.
Chelsea and Brighton tracking but Tottenham in front
While Chelsea and Brighton have both monitored Rayan closely, Spurs appear to be accelerating faster than their rivals. AC Milan also hold interest, but financial constraints could limit their ability to match Vasco’s asking price. That leaves Tottenham with a clear opportunity to secure a player who aligns with their vision for squad evolution.
Under sporting director Johan Lange and CEO Vinai Venkatesham, Tottenham’s approach has become more data-driven and globally focused. Signings like Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert show a commitment to securing future first-team contributors before their value skyrockets and Rayan could be the next addition to that list.
Author Opinion
Tottenham’s pursuit of Rayan reflects a clear identity shift in the club’s transfer strategy and a growing presence in South America. The Brazilian winger offers the kind of raw flair and technical upside that fits Thomas Frank’s blueprint: players who can develop within the system while offering immediate impact in the right situations.
If Spurs can win this race, it would not only strengthen their squad depth but further validate their proactive, global-first recruitment strategy. The future-facing philosophy is taking shape and Rayan looks like a natural fit.
