Manchester City are rich in attacking talent, but Pep Guardiola’s side are already eyeing a possible successor to Erling Haaland at one of their sister clubs.
Manchester City are interested in signing ‘Brazilian Erling Haaland’ but could be forced to pay up to £87 million to sign the genius batsman.
17-year-old forward Wendeson Wonderley Santos de Melo (nicknamed Del) is shining in Bahia’s current youth squad. He scored 40 goals in 34 games for Brazil’s U-17 team in 2023. His goalscoring exploits earned him his first team debut for Bahia at the age of 16 and also earned him the nickname ‘Haaland of Celtao’.
And it turns out he could soon join his namesake at the Etihad Stadium, with ESPN claiming City and Italian giants AC Milan are keeping an eye on his performances.
The article adds that Dell has an £87 million release clause in his contract with Bahia. However, City’s owners, City Football Group, hold 90 per cent of the shares in the Brazilian side, which could make negotiations easier than with other teams.
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Regarding his future, Dell said: “Every player dreams of playing at a high level in Europe. I have a dream of playing for a club like Manchester City, which for me is the best club in the world. But I believe that things will happen naturally.”
“Before that, I want to play here in Bahia, win a title and become an idol, and then carve my own path in Europe. Maybe I can also win a title with Manchester City and become an idol.”
Regarding Haaland’s nickname, the youngster added: “I’m very happy to have this nickname. Haaland is an inspiration to many people. I enjoy watching his videos both outside and inside the box.”
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“I think my movements are similar to his. I have several other role models, but besides Haaland, the striker that I like and have followed since the youth academy is (Al Gilal striker) Marcos Leonardo from Santos. It’s fun to watch him play.”
City currently have plenty of attacking options. Haaland signed a record-breaking nine-and-a-half year contract with City earlier this year, but Barcelona continue to be linked with a move for the Norwegian hitman.
City manager Josep Guardiola said of the player’s future: “I don’t think Erling is stupid enough to sign for something he doesn’t want to achieve, that’s for sure. But football, you never know what’s going to happen next. Nobody knows.”
Haaland has continued his impressive form this season, scoring 12 goals in just nine games in all competitions.
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