A year ago
Analysis: Who is Rayan Vitor, the 16-year-old Brazilian wonderkid taking Barcelona’s interest?
Barcelona has shown interest in the Brazilian market, although in recent years, their arch-rivals Real Madrid have been more successful in securing talents such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Endrick. However, Barcelona recognizes the abundance of talent in the Brazilian market and is likely to explore it further as they continue their search for top-quality players.
With the imminent appointment of Deco as Sporting Director, replacing Jordi Cruyff, Barcelona's focus on the Brazilian market is expected to intensify. Deco, a Portuguese with expertise in Brazilian football, has already assisted Barcelona in their pursuit of Vitor Roque, who is nearing a move to the LaLiga champions this summer.
Roque might not be the only Brazilian arriving at Barcelona, as the club has reportedly expressed interest in Rayan Vitor from Vasco da Gama. However, due to FIFA regulations, the young talent won't be eligible to join until he turns 18, which will happen in August 2024. According to Sport, Barcelona has been closely monitoring Rayan for over 18 months, considering him one of the standout prospects scouted in Brazil. His stock rose further earlier this year when he played a crucial role in Brazil's U17 Sudamericano victory.
Rayan recently made history by scoring in his first start for Vasco's first team, becoming the club's youngest scorer in the 21st century. Standing at 6'1", he primarily operates as a winger, often favoring the left flank due to being left-footed. His height grants him an advantage in physical battles against defenders, as he can use his body to hold them off and act as a target forward.
Despite his stature, Rayan possesses the typical Brazilian skill and flair with the ball at his feet. He also demonstrates good passing ability, allowing him to involve teammates effectively. While he currently plays as a winger, he has the potential to adapt to a striker role, which Barcelona could explore if they decide to pursue his signing in the coming years. His playing style bears resemblance to Victor Osimhen, who possesses a similar frame and exceptional ball control.
The likelihood of Barcelona making a move for Rayan remains uncertain, but it could prove to be a wise investment if they choose to pursue him. As they continue to scout the Brazilian market for talents, securing Rayan's services would align with their long-term strategy of adding promising players to their ranks.
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