Man City line up 'Brazilian Haaland' as £87m release clause comes to light

Manchester City are well stocked when it comes to attackers but Pep Guardiola’s side are already eyeing Erling Haaland’s potential successor at one of their sister clubs

Manchester City are interested in signing the ‘Brazilian Erling Haaland’ - but could be forced to pay out as much as £87million to land the striking prodigy.

17-year-old forward Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo – nicknamed Dell - has shone for current side Bahia’s youth ranks. He netted 40 goals in 34 matches for the Brazilian side’s under-17 side in 2023. His goalscoring exploits saw him handed his first-team debut for Bahia at the age of 16, while he has also earned the nickname “Haaland of Sertao”.

And it turns out he could potentially join his namesake at the Etihad Stadium before long, with ESPN claiming that City are keeping a close eye on his performances, as are Italian giants AC Milan.

Dell has a £87m release clause written into his Bahia contract, the report adds. However, City’s owners, the City Football Group, hold a 90 percent stake in the Brazilian side, meaning negotiations could be more straightforward for them than others.

Speaking about his future, Dell said: “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 his Haaland nickname, the youngster 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.

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“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.”

As it stands, City are well-stacked for attacking options. Haaland signed a record-breaking nine-and-a-half year deal with City earlier this year, albeit Barcelona continue to been linked with a move for the Norwegian hitman.

Speaking about the forward’s future, City boss Pep Guardiola said: “I think Erling is not stupid enough to sign something he would not like to accomplish. That’s for sure. But, football, who knows what is going to happen in the next time. Nobody knows.”

Haaland has continued his eye-watering form this season, having scored 12 goals in just nine appearances in all competitions.