£30m striker medical delayed after 'here we go' and 'imminent' Newcastle United bid claim
Premier League transfers: Bournemouth’s move for Newcastle United-linked Rayan Vitor has been held up this week.
AFC Bournemouth are growing frustrated with the delay in Rayan Vitor’s proposed £30million move from Vasco de Gama, according to reports in Brazil.
Earlier this week, Bournemouth agreed a deal to sign the 19-year-old Brazilian forward, who scored 20 goals for Vasco de Gama in 2025.
Newcastle have been heavily linked with a move for the teenager. ESPN Brazil claimed Newcastle’s interest in Rayan has cooled due to the player’s £70million release clause, while other reports suggested a bid was imminent.
On Tuesday, Leading Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte have claimed that Vasco de Gama believed a bid from Newcastle was imminent, and the forward would not face Flamengo as a result.
While a bid from Newcastle never came, Rayan was not part of the Vasco squad for the 1-0 defeat to Flamengo. That was because the Brazilian club had agreed a £30million deal to sell the forward to Bournemouth.
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Fabrizio Romano drops huge Rayan Vitor ‘here we go’
The deal was believed to be as good as done when transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provided an update with his trademark ‘here we go’ motto on Wednesday.
Taking to social media, Romano wrote: “Rayan to Bournemouth, here we go! Deal verbally agreed in principle for Brazilian winger to join #AFCB from Vasco. €35m package verbally agreed with documents being checked and exchanged today.
“Bournemouth, scheduling Rayan’s medical later this week if all goes to plan.”
But all seemingly hasn’t gone to plan as Bournemouth are preparing to host Liverpool on Saturday without any progress since agreeing the deal.
Bournemouth frustration claim emerges in Brazilian media
According to ESPN Brazil, Bournemouth are ‘showing irritation’ with Vasco de Gama for delaying the finalisation of the transfer of Rayan. While a verbal agreement is in place, the report claims the official paperwork has not and the teenager remains a Vasco player as things stand.
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Eddie Howe shuts down Rayan Vitor link
While the delay could give Newcastle an opportunity to swoop in and strike a deal, head coach Eddie Howe has already shot down the prospect of the club agreeing such a deal
Howe said Newcastle don’t have the ‘financial ability’ to make any attacking additions this month, and ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven, the Newcastle head coach directly shut down the Rayan link.
When asked about a potential bid for the Brazilian teenager, Howe responded: “There's no truth in that.”