Andoni Iraola wants €150m superstar as Mohamed Salah replacement

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Andoni Iraola reportedly wants to reunite with Bournemouth attacker Rayan following his appointment as the new Liverpool head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Rayan, 19, joined Bournemouth from boyhood club Vasco da Gama in January and he scored five goals and provided two assists in just 15 Premier League matches before the end of the campaign.

His form was rewarded with a place in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America and Bournemouth are already aware of significant transfer interest in the 19-year-old ahead of the summer window.

Liverpool have been linked with the teenager for several months and the appointment of Iraola as Arne Slot’s replacement has opened the door for a possible move, as per a report from The i Paper.

However, a deal will not take place until January at the earliest, with Bournemouth determined to keep the Brazilian this summer after only bringing him to the club earlier this year.

It’s reported that Iraola is a “huge fan” of Rayan and he played a key role in Bournemouth’s decision to sign him during the recent winter transfer window, which could help Liverpool’s bid to bring him to Anfield. Rayan is viewed as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah, although he will cost a huge transfer fee, with reports confirming that a €150 million release clause will be active in January 2027.

Fellow Bournemouth stars Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott have also been heavily linked with an exit this summer, with the Cherries set to face an uphill battle to retain their biggest stars ahead of their Europa League campaign next term.

Who will Liverpool sign this summer?

Liverpool have already finalised the signing of Stade Rennais centre-back Jeremy Jacquet ahead of this summer, but they remain in the market for another option following confirmation that Ibrahima Konate will depart on a Bosman deal in July.

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke is among their stars on Liverpool’s radar, although the Reds are set to face significant competition from both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur when the window officially opens on 15 June.

Meanwhile, the 2024-25 Premier League champions are also keen to sign at least one new forward this summer, with a replacement for club legend Salah regarded as their biggest target for the upcoming transfer window.

The Egypt legend will depart when his contract expires this summer and RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande has been earmarked as their primary option to replace him at Anfield.

However, Rayan is also understood to be on Liverpool’s radar, despite the fact that Bournemouth have no intention of selling him until at least next year.