Man City Interested In £87m “Haaland of Sertão”

Man City’s Next Statement Move? Brazilian Prodigy Dell Sparks Global Excitement

Credit to Goal for first reporting on Manchester City’s growing interest in 17-year-old Bahia sensation Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo, better known as Dell. Branded locally as “The Haaland of Sertão”, the teenager carries a reputation so bold it almost feels scripted for Pep Guardiola’s long-term succession plan.

Rising Star from Bahia

Dell’s ascent has not been a slow burn. Still only 16 when he made his senior debut, he bulldozed through Bahia’s youth level with 40 goals in 34 games during the 2023 campaign, following that with 12 in 21 the season after. Those close to him claim he blends “cold-blooded finishing instincts of Haaland, but with a Brazilian flair”. It is easy to understand the fevered hype when a player’s nickname emerges from fans rather than marketing departments.

He has already delivered on the international stage too. At the U15 South America Championship he bagged four goals and two assists, securing the Golden Boot. Earlier this year he fired Brazil to glory again at U17 level. His next major test arrives at the U17 World Cup in Qatar and scouts will swarm.

Contract Clarity and Strategic Advantage

Bahia have been decisive, tying Dell down until 2027 with an £87 million release clause. That number is designed to deter, not negotiate. Yet Manchester City quietly hold a trump card. The City Football Group owns 90 per cent of Bahia, meaning diplomatic distance between suitor and seller is virtually non-existent. Giuliano Bertolucci, the powerhouse agent behind Dell, is already known for bridging South America’s best young forwards to Europe’s elite.

City are no strangers to shadow-planning. Julian Álvarez was secured before mainstream attention surged. Dell represents an even earlier investment. A developmental mirror of Erling Haaland, not a challenger, but a future relay runner.

Photo: IMAGO

Dreams Already Aligned

Dell himself appears to be reading from the same script.

“Every player dreams of playing at a high level in Europe,” he told ESPN Brazil. “I have this dream of playing for a club like Manchester City, which for me is the best club in the world. 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.”

He openly references his inspiration.

“Haaland is an inspiration to many. He’s a guy whose videos I enjoy watching, both outside and inside the box,” he said. “I think my movements are similar to his.”

That awareness is gold dust for Guardiola. A teenager studying movement patterns rather than celebrations.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester City perspective, this report is pure catnip. Supporters have spent years wondering how the post-Haaland era will be managed. Nobody expects the current Norwegian phenomenon to last forever in sky blue. When he eventually departs, it cannot be to an empty throne. Dell feels like the blueprint for continuity.

Fans have seen gambles in youth recruitment before, but this one carries genuine logic. He wants City. His agent does business at the highest level. The club already has control of Bahia. The pieces are sitting on the board ready for one future move.

There will, of course, be scepticism. Brazilian wonderkids arrive in Europe every window with viral clips and huge metrics. City supporters will demand more than numbers compiled at youth level. They will want to see personality, resilience and tactical intelligence.

Still, the hunger is real. Imagine Haaland bullying Premier League defences for three more seasons, only to later pass the crown to someone raised watching his clips. Dynasty-building is not just about transfers, it is about ideology.

If Dell truly is “The Haaland of Sertão”, then Manchester City may already own tomorrow’s headlines.