MANCHESTER CITY reportedly want to sign the “Brazilian Haaland”.
But the 17-year-old already has an £87million release clause.
Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo is on Manchester City’s radarCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ecbahia/
The striker, known as Dell, has been dubbed the ‘Brazilian Haaland’Credit: Getty
Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo – or Dell – is earning rave reviews in his homeland thanks to his performances for club and country.
The teenage striker made his senior debut for Brazilian top-flight side Bahia in January when he was still only 16.
But he was making a name for himself years earlier in the club’s academy.
Dell banged in a whopping 40 goals in 34 matches for the Under-17s in 2023 then 12 in 21 the following year as Bahia won their first regional Baianao Championships.
Those crazy goalscoring exploits earned him the nickname the “Haaland of Sertao” – referencing the region in North-West Brazil he comes from.
It also saw him called up to play for youth teams.
In 2024, he claimed the Golden Boot with four goals and two assists at the U15 South America Championship.
He followed that up by firing Brazil to the title in the U17 version of the event this March and has been called up to play at the U17 World Cup in Qatar in November.
And given his prodigious talent and relentless goalscoring ability, Bahia are well aware of the potential value of their sensational asset.
So much so that they have tied him down to a pro contract until 2027 with a whopping £87m release clause.
Dell – who is signed to Brazilian super-agent Giuliano Bertolucci – dreams of playing in Europe.
And in particular , whose , meaning a deal between the sides could be very simple.
According to ESPN, AC Milan are also tracking the kid but City would be favourites due to their links with Bahia.
And a move to the Etihad appeals to 5ft 9ins Dell.
He told ESPN : “Every player dreams of playing at a high level in Europe.
“I have this dream of playing for a club like Manchester City, which for me is the best club in the world. But I believe things will happen naturally.
“Before that, I want to play here at Bahia, win titles, become an idol, and then go on to forge my path in Europe.
“Who knows, maybe win titles and become an idol at Manchester City too.”
On the nickname – which is more about his goalscoring ability than physical presence – Dell added: “I’m very happy to receive this nickname.
“Haaland is an inspiration to many. He’s a guy whose videos I enjoy watching, both outside and inside the box.
“I think my movements are similar to his.
“I have a few other role models, but besides Haaland, a striker I like and have always followed since the youth academy is [Al-Hilal striker] Marcos Leonardo, who came through Santos. I enjoy watching him play.”
But by the sounds of it, Dell is very much hoping City fans get to enjoy watching him play at the Etihad and scoring goals in the years to come.
Dell boasts an impressive goalscoring record for Bahia, who are owned by the City Football GroupCredit: https://www.instagram.com/ecbahia/ 
