La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Vasco da Gama’s 15-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Rayan.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Juni Calafat has identified another Brazilian prodigy for Real Madrid to pursue. Real Madrid’s chief scout has turned his attention towards 15-year-old wonderkid Rayan Vitor Simplico Costa, who has emerged as the next big thing in his homeland.
Rayan Vitor Simplico Costa, better known as Rayan, is quickly establishing a name for himself as one of the most promising young attackers in Brazil. The teenage wonderkid might only be 15 years old but has displayed maturity beyond his years. Currently a member of the Vasco da Gama under-17 side, the youngster has impressed with his ability in front of goal and tactical versatility.
Standing at 1.85m, the 15-year-old is highly imposing for his age and has taken age-group football by storm. Rayan has started the 2022 season strongly, scoring 13 goals in ten games for the Vasco da Gama under-17 side. He also captured the attention of scouts during the prestigious Copa Sao Paulo de Juniores, and it looks like he has attracted Real Madrid.
Juni Calafat, Real Madrid’s chief scout, has discovered Rayan’s talents and has earmarked the Brazilian wonderkid as a long-term target for Los Blancos. The Spanish giants are renowned for foraying into the Brazilian market to find the most prodigious young players. Such an outlook has fetched Real Madrid current first-team stars like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes.
The Merengues have recently shown interest in several Brazilian prodigies, with Luis Guilherme popping up on their radar last month. And Rayan is also a viable target for Real Madrid, who can bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu as a long-term successor for Karim Benzema if he continues to show potential to play across the frontline.
The Spanish giants also have their sights set on another 15-year-old Brazilian wonderkid in Endrick, who famously starred as the MVP of the Copa Sao Paulo de Juniores, where Rayan recently featured. As for Rayan, Real Madrid might not be the only high profile European club pursuing his signature.
The 15-year-old recently emerged on the radar of Barcelona, with Deco identifying him as a possible signing for Barcelona B. But Real Madrid and Barcelona can only sign Rayan in 2024 as FIFA rules prohibit clubs from landing foreign players aged under 18. So the transfer saga might continue to simmer before it explodes in two years.
