Rayan returns from the 2026 World Cup with elevated status at Bournemouth and eyes a direct confrontation with Erling Haaland in the Premier League opener. The 20-year-old forward told ESPN he wants to get revenge on the Norwegian striker, who was instrumental in Norway’s victory over Brazil at the World Cup.
He said the tournament experience brought him greater maturity and now carries increased expectation and responsibility at the club. Rayan revealed that head coach Marco Rose has already discussed the heightened pressure following his international exposure.
Despite arriving at Bournemouth as a young prospect, Rayan made an immediate impact last season: five goals and two assists in 15 Premier League appearances, directly contributing to seven goals. His performances helped the club finish sixth and secure direct qualification for the Europa League group stage.
Bournemouth visits Manchester City this Sunday (23) at 10am Brasília time at the Etihad Stadium in a key early-season test. Rayan believes the squad has the quality to push for higher positions and re-enter continental competitions.
He added that the goal is to surpass last season’s performance by starting strong, finishing well, and maximizing points. The match against City offers an immediate platform to demonstrate his growth post-World Cup.
Rayan joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in 2024 and, at 20, has already gained valuable international experience after representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. He came through Vasco’s youth academy before making the move to English football.
With Europa League qualification already secured, Bournemouth aims to maintain consistency throughout the campaign, and Rayan expects to be a central figure in that effort. The opener against City will serve as an early benchmark for the team’s ambitions.
He concluded by saying the focus is on collective and individual improvement, leveraging the post-tournament period to add value across all competitions this season.
