ESPN deliver £70m release clause bombshell as Newcastle United make transfer U-turn
Newcastle United transfers: Reports from Brazil claim The Magpies have made a U-turn in their pursuit of one young forward.
Newcastle United have been scouting South America for young talent over the past couple of years, but are yet to sign a player directly from the continent.
The Magpies have had success with the signings of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton with the Brazilian duo proving hugely popular in the dressing room and with supporters. But both players were signed having already established themselves in Europe.
Historically, the likes of Brazil and Argentina have produced world-class players on a remarkably consistent basis. And most of those players started their careers in their home countries.
So it makes sense that many top clubs have dedicated scouting networks across South America, something Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson has been setting up in recent seasons. Borja de Matias was appointed at Newcastle’s head of scouting for South America in 2023 but left his role earlier this year to pursue an opportunity in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Qadsiah.
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NUFC scout South America
Newcastle have regularly scouted players in Brazil in recent seasons and held a genuine interest in midfielder Andrey Santos before he joined Chelsea in 2023. Two years later, the 21-year-old is a full Brazil international and a regular member of Chelsea’s matchday squad this season.
The Magpies were also linked with Vitor Reis during his time at Palmeiras last season before he joined Manchester City in January 2025.
It’s a recruitment strategy new sporting director Ross Wilson is keen to explore further as he looks to futureproof Newcastle’s squad.
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Newcastle United linked with Brazilian forward
A name that has been linked to Newcastle this season is Vasco de Gama’s Rayan Vitor. The 19-year-old forward scored 20 goals for Vasco in 2025 and has been tipped for a big money move to Europe in the near future.
It’s worth noting that the links, as often proves to be the case with Brazilian youngsters, come from sources linked to the player or club in question rather than anything concrete on Newcastle’s end.
Although the player was previously thought to be worth around £25million, it has now been claimed that Rayan has a £70million release clause in his contract at Vasco, which runs until at least 2028.
According to ESPN Brazil, Newcastle’s interest in Rayan has cooled due to the player’s significant release clause.
So Rayan could prove to be yet another young Brazilian linked with Newcastle who ends up going elsewhere.