United closing in on Samba star dubbed the next Adriano, £69m will seal the deal – report

European transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Manchester United were intent on strengthening their attack this winter. And with all eyes fixed on which forward could arrive after United missed out on City‑bound Antoine Semenyo, an intriguing claim has now emerged from Brazil. According to Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, the next big talent out of Brazilian football could be heading to Old Trafford if INEOS are prepared to spend significantly. Rayan links On his X page, Burgos revealed that the 20‑time English champions are monitoring Vasco da Gama winger Rayan: “AC Milan, Manchester United, and several Saudi Arabian clubs are monitoring Rayan’s situation. “Vasco da Gama are sticking to his €80m release clause.” Yet while speculation mounts over whether the Red Devils can strike before the January window closes, Burgos insists a move is unlikely this month. “A move now seems highly unlikely. Progress is expected in the summer,” he added. Rayan, Brazil’s next big thing With 14 goals in 34 appearances, and only four players outscoring him in the recently concluded Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, it is clear why Vasco regard the teenage sensation as their crown jewel. Nevertheless, as resolute as Vasco remain in their stance on their powerful winger, their position may not deter United. INEOS have made no secret of their mission to capture some of the finest talent emerging from South America. That transfer drive has already brought in exciting prospects such as Diego Leon and Christian Orozco. Rayan could well be the next name added to that list. Low‑block killer Rayan, 19, is a powerful and rapid left‑footed attacker, a clinical finisher whose aggressive dribbling makes him unpredictable in one‑on‑one situations and a constant nightmare for defenders. He could prove the perfect antidote to United’s struggles against sides who sit deep and defend in numbers. Whether in January or the summer, if United manage to pull off Rayan’s signing, beating AC Milan and Saudi Pro League clubs to his signature, it would represent a significant coup in the transfer market. They will have landed the next Adriano. Featured image Wagner Meier via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.