I haven't forgotten you: Iraola wants deal for £130m forward

Liverpool finally landed their man with the acquisition of Bradley Barcola in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

For a fee of around £123m the winger was brought to Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain. The only issue for the Reds is that the France international is not exactly a natural replacement for the departed Mohamed Salah.

He prefers to play from the left - like Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz. Andoni Iraola is doing his best to try to manage the situation - utilising different options on the right.

Rayan is the ideal candidate

But the Merseysiders could do with at least one more in the Salah mould. And in the shape of Rayan of Bournemouth they could have the ideal candidate.

The Brazilian forward joined the Cherries under Iraola last January - taking to life in England like a duck to water.

With a contract boasting a reported £130m release clause the former Vasco da Gama prodigy is expected to become the next big transfer out of the Vitality Stadium.

Rayan has got a £130m release clause

According to a report in Football Insider Iraola would love to reunite with his former Bournemouth charge with the Basque tactico pushed to land a deal for the left-footer.

“Liverpool are keeping tabs on the performances of Bournemouth star Rayan this season,” the report reads.

“Andoni Iraola is a big fan of Rayan after their time together at Bournemouth and could push to land a deal.

“Liverpool are said to be keeping a close eye on Rayan's progress ahead of the 2027 transfer windows, and could make a move to reuinite him with his former boss.”

Rayan: Situation summary

Rayan is a Brazilian forward, born in 2006, who joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in January 2026.

A powerful, left-footed right-sided attacker, he can also play centrally: he combines direct dribbling, physicality, aerial presence and a genuine shooting threat.

His Bournemouth deal runs to June 2031, placing the club in a strong negotiating position. Reports have suggested a £130m release clause may become active in 2027, although that detail has not been independently confirmed by Bournemouth.

Liverpool’s interest is logical rather than imminent.

Andoni Iraola worked with Rayan at Bournemouth, reportedly rates him highly, and oversaw his immediate impact after arrival. That relationship gives Liverpool valuable insight into his character, tactical adaptability and development ceiling.

A move to Anfield would likely depend on Rayan sustaining his Premier League output and Liverpool’s right-wing succession planning.

For now, Bournemouth is the optimal platform: regular minutes under a coach who knows how to sharpen his aggressive, transition-oriented game.