Manchester City named as “dream” destination for £87 million striker compared to Erling Haaland | OneFootball

The Etihad Stadium and Manchester City is already being eyed as a future destination for one of the very best rising young strikers in South America.

Still only 17-years-old, Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo – better known as ‘Dell’ – has emerged as one of Brazil’s most electrifying attacking prospects and a player who already has Europe’s biggest clubs watching closely.

The teenager’s rapid rise at EC Bahia – a club 90 per cent owned by the City Football Group – has naturally linked him with a potential future at the Etihad Stadium having gone from being a local prodigy in Bahia’s academy to one of the most talked-about young strikers in the country within just two years.

Dell’s remarkable goal record at youth level, combined with his unique physical and technical blend, has earned him the nickname “The Haaland of Sertão” – a nod both to his ruthless finishing and his origins in Brazil’s north-east.

Now, speaking during a new interview with ESPN Brazil, as translated and relayed by GOAL, Dell has made his future ambitions within the game very clear, eyeing up a long-term move to Premier League giants Manchester City.

“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,” the 17-year-old admitted.

“But I believe things will happen naturally,” he continued. “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.”

Naturally, the very best rising young strikers have their eye on one man when it comes to inspirations within the game, and for Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo (Dell) that player is Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

“Haaland is an inspiration to many. He’s a guy whose videos I enjoy watching, both outside and inside the box,” the teenager said.

“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.”

During the 2023 campaign, Dell scored 40 goals in 34 games for Bahia’s Under-17 side before following that up with another 12 goals in 21 matches the following year, helping Bahia capture their first Baianão Championship and becoming a fan favourite.

His exploits at international level have been equally impressive, winning the Golden Boot at the Under-15 South American Championship and followed it up by firing Brazil to victory in the Under-17 edition earlier this year. Attention turn to the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar this November, where he is expected to be one of the tournament’s headline names, with scouts from City, Barcelona, and Real Madrid all expected.

Bahia have already acted to secure their prodigy’s future, tying Dell down to a professional deal until 2027, complete with a staggering £87 million ($117 million) release clause, while the striker is represented by Giuliano Bertolucci – one of Brazil’s most influential agents and a key figure in facilitating moves to Europe’s elite clubs.

For City, their ownership stake in Bahia through the City Football Group makes this potential pathway far smoother than for rival clubs. Should Dell continue on his current trajectory, a transition into CFG’s European network – potentially via Girona or Troyes – could be the next logical step before any Premier League move materialises.