Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly keen on signing 16-year-old Brazilian prodigy Rayan from Vasco da Gama.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Rayan has alerted several top clubs with his performances at the Under-17 South American Championships. Barcelona and Real Madrid have set their sights on the 16-year-old Vasco da Gama whizkid. And the two clubs will look to sign the teenage sensation before he turns 18.
Rayan Vitor Simplico Rocha, better known as Rayan, has set age-group football alight during his formative years. The Brazilian wonderkid has been with Vasco da Gama since joining them as a six-year-old in 2012. Since then, he has made a name for himself for being a prolific goalscorer. And he had already found the back of the net 280 times before turning 11.
The 16-year-old whizkid has been rising through the ranks at Vasco da Gama and has already made two appearances for the first team this season. He was recently in the limelight during the Under-17 South American Championships, ending as the joint-top scorer as Brazil won the tournament. And Rayan’s progress has captured the attention of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Barcelona and Real Madrid first set their sights on the teenage wonderkid last year. And they have continued to monitor Rayan’s progress closely in the past twelve months. The two La Liga giants have now decided to step up their interest in the youngster following his exploits at the Under-17 South American Championships.
The Merengues are renowned for poaching world-class Brazilian prospects, with the latest being Endrick. The Palmeiras wonderkid will join Real Madrid after he turns 18 in July, joining the growing contingent of footballers from Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu. And Rayan is the latest prospect to emerge on their radar.
As for Barcelona, the Catalan giants have gone cold on Brazilian players since Neymar’s stint at Camp Nou. But several youngsters from the country have recently popped up on Barcelona’s radar. Recent reports have linked the Blaugrana with Kaua Elias, with Rayan’s name now emerging on the wishlist.
Barcelona and Real Madrid will be unable to secure Rayan’s services until he turns 18 in August 2024. But they can seal an agreement for the 16-year-old Brazilian whizkid similar to Real Madrid’s deal for Endrick. And it will be interesting to see if either club can land the Vasco da Gama prospect anytime soon.
