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'Most complete' Brazilian sensation keen to pen contract extension amidst Tottenham interest
Rich Storry-Imagn Images

Rayan expected to pen Vasco Da Gama extension as Tottenham Hotspur circle

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of luring one of Brazil’s brightest young forwards to North London appear to have taken a hit. The player in question, Vasco da Gama’s dynamic winger Rayan, has expressed a desire to extend his stay in Rio de Janeiro, despite recent advances from N17.

For several weeks, Spurs’ scouting team has been keeping close tabs on the 19-year-old talent, who has impressed with his speed, strength, and composure in front of goal. Reports from Brazil suggest that Tottenham had even begun exploring the process of securing a UK work permit, a clear signal of their intent to make a formal move during the upcoming January window.

Rayan currently has a release clause of €40 million (£34.3 million) in his contract, a fee that Tottenham were reportedly evaluating. However, fresh developments from Brazil indicate that Vasco are preparing to offer the teenager an improved deal, one that would raise his salary, extend his contract, and. most importantly, increase the buyout clause to ward off European suitors.

Vasco Boss Pleads to Keep His Star Man

Vasco da Gama manager Fernando Diniz has made no secret of his admiration for Rayan and his firm opposition to any sale. Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Diniz was emphatic in his stance, saying:

“When I arrived here, I told them he was unsellable. Sell the pitch, sell the goalposts, but don’t sell Rayan. His potential is immense. Maybe he’s the most complete striker in Brazilian football, without a shadow of a doubt.”

The coach praised Rayan’s versatility and maturity, highlighting his ability to play across the frontline, whether as a winger, a centre-forward, or a creative attacking midfielder. According to Diniz, Rayan’s blend of explosiveness, power, and technical finesse makes him one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Brazil in recent years.

Contract Talks Progressing Positively

Adding to Tottenham’s frustration, Vasco’s director of football Admar Lopes has confirmed that discussions over a new contract are progressing smoothly. Speaking to Globo Esporte, Lopes said:

“The conversations are advanced and things are going well, both with the family and with the agents and the player. We are confident that, in the coming weeks or by the end of the year, we will be able to conclude this renewal. It is also the player’s wish.”

Should the deal be finalised, it will likely increase Rayan’s market value significantly and make any potential move to Europe more complicated. Vasco are intent on protecting their prized asset, recognising that his future could yield both on-field success and financial security for the club.

From Tottenham’s perspective, this development is a classic case of timing working against them. The club’s proactive scouting and early interest underline their commitment to securing young, high-ceiling talent, a strategy that has already paid dividends in recent seasons. However, given Rayan’s age and Vasco’s determination to retain him, Spurs may have to either meet an inflated price or look elsewhere in the Brazilian market.

In truth, Vasco are doing what any sensible club should: protecting a generational prospect who could soon command attention from Europe’s elite. For Tottenham, patience, or perhaps an irresistible offer, may be the only way forward. Hopefully we do not back out in the race to land what could be arguably the best talent to come out of Brazilian shores since Neymar.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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