Rayan to Liverpool twist as Brazilian media hit out
Rayan's latest performance for Brazil could throw a move to Liverpool into doubt as national media criticise his quality and effort.
Andoni Iraola remains keen to keep bolstering his attacking options in the next few transfer windows after Liverpool left him short over the summer.
He has headed into this campaign without a senior, recognised right winger following Mo Salah's departure.
Bournemouth forward Rayan emerged as a target in the summer after he impressed under Iraola on the south coast last season.
Reports have claimed that the Reds are keeping tabs on the Brazilian winger and could launch a huge bid for his services next year.
They may want to start rethinking their transfer plans as Brazilian media have their say on his latest international showing against Australia.
Rayan savaged by Brazilian media after sub-par international performance
The Bournemouth winger featured for 88 minutes in their last outing before the international break against Liverpool and failed to particularly impress.
Iraola will know all about his qualities, with sources exclusively revealing to Football Insider this month that Liverpool are considering smashing their transfer record to sign Rayan in 2027.
They may want to shelve those plans until he has truly proven himself among the elite wingers in European football, particularly after his latest performance.
Rayan only had 17 touches of the ball and misplaced six of his 12 attempted passes in Brazil's 4-2 win over Australia on Tuesday, as he lost both of his attempted ground duels and won just two of six attempted aerial duels.
He also inadvertently flicked the ball on from a corner to help Australia level the scoreline in the first half before giving the ball away in the middle of the pitch as they quickly made it 2-1.
Terra were bluntly scathing in their review of his performance, as they wrote: "Didn’t have a satisfactory match and was at fault for both of Australia’s goals."
While GOAL Brasil gave more context, but were still disappointed by what Rayan showed against unfancied opposition, saying: "A functional performance, but lacking the creative spark normally expected of Brazil’s forwards. He kept the ball moving but rarely threatened the Australian defence before being substituted in the 61st minute."
Who could Liverpool sign instead of Rayan?
Liverpool may well feel like Rayan needs more time to hone his game and develop before making the huge step up to be a regular at Anfield.
They have been linked to several right-wing targets in recent months as the search for Salah's long-term replacement continues.
Versatile Brentford star Kevin Schade has been linked and could be targeted in January, but the capital club are currently trying to tie him down to a new contract.
Yankuba Minteh was a top target in the summer as the Reds had two bids rejected for his services by Brighton, and they could look to revisit a move in the new year.
They also made a late approach for Crystal Palace star Ismaila Sarr, and it seems a pretty realistic option to try and snap him up midway through the campaign.