Bournemouth star rejects Saudi approach – Makes future intentions clear

Bournemouth can now put Al-Hilal’s interest in Rayan behind them, with the Brazilian rejecting an approach from the Saudi club.

Earlier this month, we covered claims from Brazil revealing Al-Hilal had identified the 19-year-old as their first choice to replace Malcom.

The Saudi side were preparing to make their move and that contact has now taken place. It didn’t get very far.

Globo Esporte reports Al-Hilal made contact to open negotiations for Rayan. But they were told the youngster has no intention of leaving Bournemouth.

Rayan has no interest in Saudi move

The youngster has made it clear he wants to stay at Bournemouth. More broadly, Rayan intends to continue his career in Europe, preferably in England. The outlet says he has no plans to move to the Middle East at such a young age.

Surely it won’t be hard for him to fulfill this intention. In less than six months we have already covered interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and other European giants.

That decision has stopped Al-Hilal’s plan before they could properly begin negotiations with the Cherries. They made contact, but Rayan himself closed the door.

Also, Rayan wasn’t just one name on a long list. Globo Esporte says he was Al-Hilal’s “plan A” to replace Malcom.

The Brazilian winger is negotiating an early termination of his contract in Riyadh. His current deal runs until the middle of 2027.

Al-Hilal move on

The Saudi club have consequently abandoned their pursuit and started looking elsewhere.

Globo Esporte says Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has become a target as they search for a new attacker.

That search is gathering pace because Malcom’s departure is now much closer. The 29-year-old is in advanced talks with Al-Hilal to terminate his contract, despite his current deal running until next summer.

For Bournemouth, though, that situation no longer appears to be a concern.

Al-Hilal wanted Rayan as their first choice to fill the expected vacancy. The player has decided otherwise, and the Saudi club are already moving on.