From Spain: Manchester City’s owners considering Europe move for €100M ‘Haaland of Sertão’

“He’s played 2,000 more minutes than Ousmane Dembele” – Pep Guardiola raves about Manchester City’s Erling Haaland

Talismanic striker Erling Haaland notched up his 26th Premier League goal of the season in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Brentford – and the Norwegian’s contract at the Etihad Stadium does not expire until the summer of 2034.

Report: CFG eyeing Europe switch for Dell

However, that doesn’t mean CFG aren’t thinking long and hard about the future of a young man who has been nicknamed the ‘Haaland of Sertão’ – a player they already have on their books.

Wenderson Wanderley Santos de Melo, known as Dell, turns 18 in June and has enjoyed something of a breakthrough year at Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Bahia, also shining on the international stage at youth level.

According to Diario AS, the centre-forward has been earmarked for a move to one of CFG’s continental European clubs, with a view to eventually bringing him to Manchester City if his development continues as expected.

Where could Dell be playing next season?

This could include stints at Girona or French side Troyes, both of which were key stepping stones in Savinho’s development before the Brazilian joined City in 2024. Lommel SK in Belgium is another destination being considered, though this could hinge on the result of the club’s promotion play-off on May 17.

Among these, Girona is thought to be the least likely option, while Troyes became an even more attractive prospect for loanees following promotion to Ligue 1 this season.

Hugo Viana meets with Manchester City target’s agent for €80M transfer

Such is the belief in the player’s sky-high potential that he is already protected by a €100 million release clause, with his current Bahia contract running till 2028.

Dell was included in The Guardian’s Next Generation 2025 list of the most promising young players in world football born after 2008, but goalscoring prowess is where similarities to Haaland end.

At 5’10”, the 17-year-old Brazilian bears more resemblance to the quintessential Brazil number nines of the past. If he lives up to expectations, it’s a shirt he could be wearing in the not-too-distant future.