Liverpool supporters are searching for the right option to install as their top transfer target after seeing a big move for Yan Diomande hit the buffers.
Diomande wants to join Paris Saint-Germain if he leaves RB Leipzig this summer, bringing an end to the Reds’ hopes of securing him as their new right winger, for now at least.
The alternative shortlist looks rather thin for Liverpool, but one name who has stood out is Bournemouth’s Rayan.
Who should Liverpool’s new top target be after being rejected by Yan Diomande?
This is a BIG blow to the Reds' summer plans 😓
Along with watching Alisson Becker during Saturday’s World Cup action as Brazil faced Japan in the last-32, Reds fans will no doubt have been watching Rayan closely, as he was named in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting line-up.
But while the 19-year-old is certainly an excellent player with a big future ahead of him, he only managed to prove that Liverpool are shopping in a market which is struggling to throw up a standout name away from Diomande.
Rayan struggles against Japan
Rayan has a £130m release clause at Bournemouth, but the stipulation will only come into effect from January 2027.
If Liverpool do go for Rayan, he is going to cost a bomb regardless, but against Japan he did not look like a player ready for such a move.
Granted, Brazil were poor on the whole, but after registering only 17 touches during a disappointing first-half, he simply could not get into the game.
The teenager was neat and tidy on the ball, but that is the least that will be expected of him if he does sign for Liverpool, and away from some simple link-ups with teammates, he did not threaten at all.
READ MORE: Why Liverpool’s hopes of signing Yan Diomande may not be completely over after all
Improvement in second-half but still no cigar
Much like Brazil themselves, Rayan was much better during the second-half of Monday’s match in Houston, stepping things up and providing some nice touches.
One lovely exchange with Matheus Cunha on the edge of the box showed off the quickness of his feet, and he finally displayed his dribbling skills, successfully completing his only attempt of the match.
But despite the improvement, there was still something missing from Rayan’s display, which may make Liverpool supporters nervous of targeting him for such big money.
For much of the game, the Bournemouth man looked exactly what he is: a youngster making his first steps into the senior game at the highest level.
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While the same can clearly be said of Diomande, the Ivorian has looked more accomplished during his World Cup outings, and though paying such a big sum on a teenager is always taking a big chance, PSG’s interest is evidence that Diomande is a good bet to repay his mega fee.
The same could one day be true of Rayan, but based on what he displayed when given a big chance in Houston, Liverpool need to collect more confirmation before sinking their funds into another talented teenager.
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