Liverpool could be forced back into the market for another attacking player after their summer spending spree failed to fully address the departure of Mohamed Salah.
The Reds have already shown a willingness to spend big, but a player with a familiar connection to Andoni Iraola has now been tipped as a potential future target.
Liverpool Linked with Rayan
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Bournemouth winger Rayan, who previously worked with Iraola during the manager’s time on the south coast.
The Reds spent more than £100 million on Bradley Barcola this summer and also brought in Victor Munoz from Osasuna, but neither signing directly replaces Salah on the right wing.
Liverpool have subsequently used several different options in that position, while their underwhelming start of just one win from their opening four Premier League matches has added to calls for further attacking reinforcements.
Speaking to Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke suggested Rayan could be a player Liverpool consider, particularly given his previous relationship with Iraola.
“Well there’s obvious links between Rayan and the Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola after their time at Bournemouth,” O’Rourke said.
Rayan has Huge Release Clause
Any deal would come at a huge cost, however, with Rayan reportedly having a £130m release clause that becomes active next summer.
“I don’t think Liverpool will be willing to pay that, but they’ve shown in the past that they will pay big money for top targets as they have done for Isak, Wirtz and Barcola recently,” O’Rourke added.
The pundit acknowledged that the clause could prove too expensive but believes Liverpool will continue to monitor the Brazilian.
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“But I’m sure he is a player that’s on their list because of the obvious links between the manager and the player as well, and maybe they could make a move in the future.”
Rayan enjoyed an impressive start to life at Bournemouth under Iraola, registering an assist on his debut before scoring in each of his next two appearances.
He ended his first half-season with five goals and two assists in 15 games, although his form has dipped this term, with just one goal from four appearances.
A reunion with Iraola at Anfield could potentially bring the best out of the Brazilian once again. With Liverpool possessing considerably more attacking quality around him, Rayan could have the platform to develop into a major threat.
For now, though, his £130 million release clause makes any potential move a hugely expensive proposition.
