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Rayan has been a standout performer for Bournemouth in the Premier League, but the Brazilian forward's career path could easily have led him to Portugal. In an interview with DAZN Portugal, the player revealed he received offers from both Benfica and FC Porto while still at Vasco da Gama.
When asked if he follows Portuguese football, Rayan admitted it wasn't a league he particularly tracked until the interest from Portugal's two biggest clubs changed his perspective.
"I don't follow it much. A year or two ago, I received offers from FC Porto and Benfica, and after that, I started paying more attention. Now, I follow FC Porto, Benfica, and Sporting more closely," the forward disclosed.
At 20 years old, Rayan is now one of Bournemouth's rising stars, having left Vasco da Gama for England in the 2025/26 season in a transfer valued at 28.5 million euros.
The Brazilian ultimately chose the challenge of the Premier League over a move to Portugal and has seized the opportunity to establish himself in one of the world's most demanding leagues. In the second half of last season, he scored five goals in 15 appearances for the Cherries, earning him a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup.
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