Lewis Steele rules out record-breaking Liverpool move

Lewis Steele rules out record-breaking Liverpool move Lewis Steele Discusses Liverpool Move for £130m Bournemouth Forward Rayan Liverpool continue to be linked with AFC Bournemouth forward Rayan, although Lewis Steele has raised significant doubts about whether a deal worth £130 million could realistically happen in January. Speaking with Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Steele discussed the latest reports surrounding the Brazilian and Liverpool’s potential plans for the next transfer window. Recent reports have again linked Liverpool with Rayan, with Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade among those credited with reporting the club’s interest. Reports this week suggest Liverpool are keeping tabs on the forward, although no approach has been made to Bournemouth. For Steele, however, the numbers immediately create a problem. “I can’t see them spending that money when they’ve just whacked £123m on Barcola less than a month ago,” he told Davis. Bournemouth Stance Could Block Liverpool Move Money is only part of the equation. Rayan joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in January 2026 and worked under current Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during his first months in English football. Reports have subsequently suggested that Iraola remains an admirer of the Brazilian, while Liverpool have been linked with him repeatedly since the summer. Steele believes Bournemouth’s own ambitions could make a January departure particularly difficult. “I also don’t think that Bournemouth will sell in January,” he said. The reasoning centres on Bournemouth attempting to give their new manager, Marco Rose, the strongest possible squad after qualifying for European football. “I think there’s a genuine feeling at Bournemouth that they can go on and do something special this season,” Steele explained. “So that’s why the policy was slightly different this summer from them. They sold quite a lot last summer, but now they’re trying to back them.” His conclusion on Rayan was therefore clear: “I can’t see it.” £130m Release Clause Changes Rayan Equation The reported release clause provides another fascinating element. Reports differ slightly over precisely when the clause becomes active, although multiple sources have placed its value at £130 million. Recent reporting has suggested Liverpool’s interest remains genuine, while questioning whether the club would actually pay the full amount. Steele certainly appears sceptical about Liverpool making that commitment. He also pointed towards Rayan’s start to the current campaign when assessing the possibility of such a huge transfer. “I can’t see that one in January,” Steele said. “Maybe one to talk about next summer, but I’m sure that other clubs will be looking at it as well.” He added: “I don’t actually think he’s done too much at the start of this season unless I’ve missed some.” Steele even offered a lighthearted measure of Rayan’s opening weeks. “I think he’s in my fantasy team and he’s going to be transferred out this week. So I think that says all you need to know about his start to the season.” Photo: IMAGO Liverpool Attack Already Crowded Another complication is Liverpool’s existing collection of attacking players. Davis raised the possibility that somebody would probably have to leave before another forward arrived, particularly after Liverpool’s considerable investment in Bradley Barcola. Steele agreed that other positions could command greater attention. “I don’t think it would,” he said when asked whether the attack would be Liverpool’s primary focus. “I think the focus will be turning to other areas of the pitch, namely midfield, maybe full-back, maybe centre-half again.” That leaves Rayan in an intriguing position. Steele suggested Liverpool’s forward line currently looks relatively settled, highlighting the contributions of Victor Muñoz and Rio Ngumoha, alongside Cody Gakpo’s impressive form. “Gapo’s obviously been on fire,” he said. “So I think the forward line for now is looking okay.” Summer Move More Realistic for Rayan Liverpool’s interest in Rayan therefore appears worth monitoring, although the conversation between Steele and Davis offered little encouragement for those expecting an imminent January transfer. Bournemouth have their own objectives, Liverpool have already invested heavily in attacking positions and £130 million would represent an extraordinary commitment to another forward. Rayan nevertheless remains a name with obvious connections to Iraola and Liverpool. For Steele, the timeframe appears the crucial part. “Maybe one to talk about next summer,” he said. That may ultimately prove the most significant line from the entire discussion. Liverpool and Rayan could remain a transfer story worth following, while January currently looks considerably more complicated.