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Liverpool supporters are once again being left baffled by their club’s approach to the summer transfer market, with the Reds ignoring their need for a specialist right winger.It appears to be full steam ahead on Bradley Barcola as the headline forward addition, but rather than replacing Mohamed Salah on the right, the Frenchman is more natural on the left.This has left fans scratching their heads at the lack of activity on the right, with Liverpool seemingly set to go with a mixture of Rio Ngumoha, Victor Munoz, Federico Chiesa and maybe even Barcola himself instead. That will not be the case in 2027, though, when a release clause kicks in, and, as things stand, it looks probable that Liverpool’s plan is to hold off on making a signing this summer, before going all in on Rayan next year.Rayan’s £85m release clause could be a bargainRayan’s release clause will reportedly stand at around £85m next summer, and though that currently sounds like a lot for a player who was bought for less than half that price eight months ago, it could end up being a brilliant fee.As they always do, valuations will go up again in the next year, and if he has a good season with Bournemouth, Rayan at full market value could be worth a fair bit more than that.Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Leeds defeat shows the four signings Liverpool still need to make before transfer deadline dayAs a result, Liverpool could easily be banking on getting through this year with what they have, before picking up the Brazil international when the time comes.That is obviously a slightly risky strategy, but if Liverpool feel Rayan is the best on the market – and right now he probably is – then it makes sense to wait for a year.
The Reds have shown a willingness to wait for the right target many times in the past, and this would just be another case of that.Liverpool must start Rayan charm offensive nowThere were rumours that Liverpool were interested in Rayan even before he joined Bournemouth, meaning the Reds could have been in touch with the player already.It is not out of the question that conversations happened while Rayan was still at Vasco da Gama whereby Liverpool have informed him that they will keep an eye on his progress when he leaves Brazil and come in for him later down the line if he continues to develop. Who would be your choice of centre-back signing for Liverpool this summer?
If they keep the right wing spot fairly open in the meantime, Rayan will also see a clear pathway into the first XI there ready and waiting for him, which should make Liverpool a very attractive proposition.So, while his £85m release clause feels steep right now, the same probably will not be true in 2027. There will be a crowded market for Rayan’s signature, and claims from Brazil put Hughes’ reported new club, Al Hilal in the mix, but if Liverpool stay steady and keep this place open, they should be favourites to sign the Brazilian.We have seen the trouble that waiting for a target can have on Liverpool in the past, but if fans can keep their nerve for another 12 months, they may end up being rewarded with the final piece of a superb new-look front line.
