Manchester City are reportedly keeping a close eye on a teenage sensation from Brazil, Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo — known simply as Dell — who has been dubbed the “Brazilian Erling Haaland.”
With an £87 million ($117m) release clause written into his contract, Dell has already become one of the most talked-about young prospects in South America, and City are believed to be positioning themselves to secure his signature in the near future.
The 17-year-old forward, born in Bahia, has captured widespread attention with his remarkable goal-scoring prowess and composed finishing that have drawn inevitable comparisons to Erling Haaland.
Still in his teens, Dell is being touted as one of Brazil’s next great attacking exports, following in the footsteps of names like Neymar and Gabriel Jesus.
The rise of Dell has been nothing short of meteoric. After making his senior debut for Bahia at just 16, he quickly went from local wonderkid to global prospect.
During the 2023 season, he scored 40 goals in 34 matches for Bahia’s Under-17 team, before following that up with another 12 in 21 appearances the following year. His performances helped Bahia secure their first Baianao Championship title and cemented his status as a cult hero among fans.
Locals affectionately refer to him as “The Haaland of Sertão,” a nickname that nods both to his goal-scoring ruthlessness and his humble beginnings in Brazil’s rugged northwestern region.
Dell’s rapid ascent also earned him a place in Brazil’s youth national teams, where he has continued to impress. At the U15 South American Championship, he netted four goals and provided two assists on his way to winning the Golden Boot.
Earlier this year, he replicated that success at the U17 edition, leading Brazil to victory and reinforcing his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure. His next major test comes at the U17 World Cup in Qatar this November, where scouts from across Europe will gather — and Manchester City are expected to be watching very closely.
Bahia, aware of the rising global interest, recently moved to secure their prized asset. The club signed Dell to a professional deal that runs until 2027, complete with an £87 million release clause — an enormous figure that signals just how much they value him.
Behind the scenes, Dell is represented by Giuliano Bertolucci, one of Brazil’s most powerful agents, known for brokering high-profile transfers of Brazilian talents to Europe’s top clubs.
For Manchester City, however, negotiations could be far less complicated. The Premier League champions’ owners, the City Football Group, already own a 90 per cent stake in Bahia, providing them with a direct link to the club and potentially a smoother path to signing the young striker should they decide to make a move.
Dell’s Dream: From Bahia Idol to Manchester City Hero
Despite the growing hype and comparisons to Haaland, Dell appears to be keeping both feet on the ground. According to Goal, in an interview with ESPN Brazil, the teenager made it clear that while his ambitions lie in Europe, his immediate focus remains on making an impact in his homeland.
“Every player dreams of playing at a high level in Europe,” he said. “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.”
Those comments underline a maturity beyond his years. Dell’s understanding of his own development mirrors that of many Brazilian players who have chosen patience and growth in domestic football before making the leap to Europe.
Comparisons to Haaland have been unavoidable given Dell’s goal-scoring exploits and ice-cold composure in front of goal. Yet, he embraces the comparison as motivation rather than pressure.
“Haaland is an inspiration to many. He’s a guy whose videos I enjoy watching, both outside and inside the box,” Dell explained.
“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.”
Such comments give insight into his footballing mindset — one that blends the ruthless efficiency of a European striker with the flair and instinct characteristic of Brazilian forwards.
Those who have watched Dell closely describe him as “Brazilian Erling Haaland,” a natural finisher, capable of scoring in a variety of ways — from poacher’s tap-ins to long-range efforts.
Scouts are particularly drawn to his balance of physical strength and technical intelligence, an uncommon combination for a player his age.
READ NEXT: Top Man City Players Return to Training Ahead of Everton Clash
As Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City continue to dominate English football, their recruitment strategy remains firmly focused on the future.
With stars like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki leading the current generation, City’s scouting network has consistently sought the next wave of talent capable of maintaining their success for years to come.
In that sense, Dell represents a potential long-term investment — a player who, under the right guidance, could one day step into Haaland’s boots at the Etihad. His blend of clinical finishing, positional awareness, and youthful confidence makes him a perfect stylistic match for Guardiola’s evolving system.
