Tottenham Hotspur had this massive change in transfer policy in the latter years of the Daniel Levy era at Hotspur Way. This is where the Premier League heavyweights adopted a strategy to bring in high-potential young players and develop them through the corridors in North London.
And this is taking strategy, taking a strong hold behind the scenes as the Lilywhites continue to push for high-ceiling players from across competitions.
The Premier League heavyweights have dipped into the South American talent pool this time around as they look to bring in Vasco da Gama winger Rayan. The 19-year-old is tipped to be the next breakout Brazilian star given his performances of late. And the Lilywhites don’t want to stand and observe. They want to participate and act.
And that’s exactly what Tottenham are doing as the Premier League heavyweights leapfrog the likes of Chelsea and Brighton in the race for his signature.
We have seen the Lilywhites pushing with the development of players like Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert of late. And now with all three of them slowly establishing their presence at Hotspur Way, the recruitment team have started looking for the next big talent that they can bring. Someone who could have the capacity to transform their attacking depth over the next few seasons.
Looking into Rayan’s playing style
If we are to describe Rayan, he is more of an explosive winger who likes to be direct when the ball is at his feet. He has that knack to push himself into 1v1s, and he thrives in doing so.
The 19-year-old plays predominantly off that right flank. And he loves to cut inside onto his stronger foot from there.
He has this low centre of gravity which helps him get the better of his markers in tight areas.
And then he has those technical abilities which add to his strengths. He is someone who is confident when playing in small pockets. And Rayan is quite adept at quick give-and-go combinations.
But there is more; the teenager is also good at putting in whipped balls into the box. And then he has that shooting technique which mirrors the modern wide forwards. Powerful yet flat strikes which are aimed across the goalkeeper.
That being said, he is still raw but has that fearlessness about him which has produced some moments that swing games for his current employers.
How can Rayan tactically fit at Tottenham under Frank
The North Londoners under Thomas Frank have been quite reliant on wide players. The Dane coach likes his winger to be dynamic and yet unpredictable (exactly what played a part in that Kudus goal in the 2-1 win over Leeds United at the weekend).
And given that Tottenham have quite a few options, none of the available right wingers have that flair when it comes to 1v1s. Kudus is used more as a hybrid option than an out-and-out electric winger, and that is where Rayan would bring depth while also future-proofing the right flank.
We know that the former Brentford manager likes to play with high-pressing forwards and players who are rapid in taking advantage of transitional situations. And Rayan has the capacity to do both. The Brazilian is quite aggressive off the ball and has already developed a strong defensive work rate for his age. It is something that the coaching staff at Hotspur Way and the supporters at N17 will admire.
That being said, while he may not be ready to come in and be a plug-and-play solution, you can push the 19-year-old to follow a pathway similar to that of Bergvall. This way the North Londoners can ease him into the first-team football at N17 in domestic cup games or sub appearances before he gets an opportunity to become a first-team regular for the Lilywhites.
Strengths
When you think about Brazilian wingers, you think about explosive players who are not afraid to express themselves on the pitch. And that is exactly what you get in Rayan. He has that explosiveness and agility which allows him to get the better of defenders easily. And he is already showing a sense of maturity beyond his years.
He also fits perfectly into the high-entry transitions football that Tottenham want to deploy at Hotspur Way under Thomas Frank’s tutelage.
Having him alongside the likes of Simons and Kudus means Tottenham can have him develop on the technical side of the game. And given how Tottenham and Frank are not shy of giving young players their deserved opportunities, he can soon find himself among the first team minutes.
Weaknesses
His decision-making is still very raw, and that could result in a few turnovers in his initial days while he is adjusting to the pace of the English top tier. And his physical adaptation could also take some time given the massive difference between the physical demands of the Brazilian league and the Premiership.
And while there is a possible Brazil call-up around the corner, there will be some uncertainty around his work permit till he gets that call-up.
TTLB Opinion
He is fearless and technical, which makes Rayan an interesting prospect. And signing him for a reasonable fee could turn out to be a big coup for Tottenham if he continues his current developmental rate.
Would you take Rayan at Hotspur Way in 2026? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
