Man City Scouting ‘Brazilian Haaland’; Son Eyes European Comeback
Manchester City is currently focused on acquiring a Brazilian talent nicknamed the ‘Brazilian Erling Haaland’. This player, Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo, commonly known as Dell, is making waves as a remarkable striker for Bahia’s youth and senior teams.
Wendeson Wanderley: The Rising Star
At 17 years old, Dell has already established himself as a prolific scorer. He made his senior debut for Bahia in January, despite being only 16 at that time. His journey through the club’s academy laid the foundation for his success, where he amassed an impressive 40 goals in just 34 Under-17 matches during 2023.
- Name: Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo (Dell)
- Age: 17
- Club: Bahia
- Release Clause: £87 million
- Goals in Under-17s (2023): 40 in 34 matches
- Goals in Next Year: 12 in 21 matches
- Achievements: Contributed to Bahia winning the Baianao Championships
- Nickname: ‘Haaland of Sertao’
Dell’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed. He is represented by renowned super-agent Giuliano Bertolucci and has expressed a strong desire to play in Europe, particularly aligning himself with Manchester City.
The City Football Group, which owns Manchester City, also holds a 90% stake in Bahia. This connection could streamline negotiations, placing City in a favorable position to sign the young star, particularly as AC Milan has also shown interest.
Son Heung-min’s Possible European Return
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min, the former captain of Tottenham Hotspur, may return to Europe during the MLS off-season. Currently, he is showcasing his skills with Los Angeles FC, where he has scored eight goals and notched three assists in his first nine matches.
Contract Clause and World Cup Considerations
Son’s contract includes a clause resembling arrangements previously held by David Beckham and Thierry Henry, permitting players to return to their former clubs during the MLS off-season. With the upcoming 2026 World Cup in focus, Son has to weigh his options between rest and a potential short-term European comeback.
After a decade of successful play at Tottenham, Son’s next move remains uncertain. However, the allure of a brief return to European football could entice him.
Bobby Clark’s Move to Celtic
In other transfer news, 20-year-old Bobby Clark is set to exchange RB Salzburg for Celtic in January. This move will reportedly cost around £6 million. Clark is currently on loan at Derby County, having initially transferred to Salzburg for £10 million in the summer of 2024.
- Player: Bobby Clark
- Current Club: RB Salzburg
- Fee to Celtic: £6 million
- Loan Club: Derby County
- Games Played This Season: 10
Clark is keen on a permanent transition back to the UK, aiming for more regular game time at Celtic, who are competing for their fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title under manager Brendan Rodgers.
