Chelsea will reportedly compete with Tottenham Hotspur to sign 19-year-old Brazilian attacking sensation Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha from Vasco da Gama next year.
According to a report by Brazilian outlet Bolavip, Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues have identified their latest target in South America, having refused to let go of any market opportunity in pursuing promising prospects from the continent. So, the 19-year-old Vasco da Gama wonderkid has emerged as on the West London club’s wishlist.
Meanwhile, a separate report by Papo Colina has revealed the South American attacking prodigy is a target for Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites have sought information about the youngster’s status in the national setup, as “playing for the national team is one of the prerequisites for obtaining a work visa” for foreign players in the Premier League.
Rayan Vitor and his soaring stock
Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha has established himself as one of the best prospects in his homeland since breaking into the first-team squad at Vasco da Gama. The Rio de Janeiro native has spent his formative years thus far with Vasco da Gama, joining the club as a six-year-old in 2012. The 18-year-old progressed through the ranks at Vasco da Gama before breaking into the first-team squad.
The Brazilian wonderkid made his senior bow for the Serie A club in 2023, and he has risen in stature in the last two years, making nearly 100 appearances thus far while chipping in with 15 goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several Premier League bigwigs, including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
London calling?
Chelsea’s interest in Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha is understandable. The Blues always have a stacked offensive unit, as their infamous hoarding policy has become clear in the last few years. They constantly scour the Brazilian market for promising prodigies, and Estevao Willian is the latest wonderkid to make his mark for Chelsea. So, his compatriot has unsurprisingly emerged as a target.
As for Tottenham Hotspur, Son Heung-min has created a void in the offensive unit at the North London club after moving to MLS club LAFC. While Thomas Frank has several talented attackers in his squad, he can do with more directness and pace in the final third. The Lilywhites are now intensifying their efforts to sign the teenage sensation by seeking information about his status with the national team.
However, with Chelsea entering the equation, it will be interesting to see if the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League winners further their interest in the 19-year-old Brazilian wonderkid even more. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.
