Manchester City are already shaping a long-term pathway for one of Brazil’s most exciting teenage forwards, with Bahia striker Dell emerging as a serious future project inside the City Football Group network.
The 17-year-old forward, already being labelled the “Brazilian Haaland” in parts of South America, is attracting growing attention after his breakthrough at Bahia, where City Football Group hold majority ownership.
While Dell is not expected to move directly to the Etihad anytime soon, a clear development plan is now taking shape.
According to reports in Spain, City Football Group are actively assessing the striker’s next step, with Europe now firmly on the agenda.
Dell Manchester City pathway being prepared through City Football Group
Dell’s route to Manchester City is expected to be gradual.
The current plan centres on moving him into one of City Football Group’s European clubs first, allowing his development to continue under closer tactical and competitive supervision.
That would keep him within the same football structure.
Potential destinations include Troyes, Girona FC and Lommel SK.
Each option presents different challenges.
Girona would offer top-flight football, but squad competition could limit immediate opportunities. Troyes depends on promotion, while Lommel’s situation depends on league survival.
For City Football Group, the priority is control over development.
That system has worked before. Players move through the network, adapt to European football and are then assessed for the highest level. Dell now appears next in line.
Bahia wonderkid Dell impressing with early first-team impact
Dell came through Bahia’s academy and has already made 16 senior appearances, scoring four goals despite limited minutes.
His early numbers suggest raw efficiency.
| Stat (2025/26) | Dell |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 13 |
| Minutes Played | 594 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes per Goal | 148 |
source: sofascore match data – 28 April 2026
Those numbers are encouraging, especially for a player still developing physically and tactically.
Bahia manager Rogério Ceni has been vocal about Dell’s progress.
“He’s only 17, but he’s a kid who’s working incredibly hard. He’s demonstrating the necessary physical intensity to play and he’s an agile player.” — Rogério Ceni
That physical profile explains the Haaland comparisons, even if the label remains early and ambitious.
Manchester City future depends on Dell’s European adaptation
The bigger question is how quickly Dell adapts once he turns 18 in June.
That birthday removes the age barrier to moving to Europe and opens the pathway City Football Group have been preparing.
From the last few seasons of City’s recruitment model, internal progression through partner clubs has become increasingly strategic.
Dell fits that model.
However, it remains too early to project a direct Manchester City future.
The jump from Brazilian youth football to Pep Guardiola’s squad is enormous.
What matters now is the next environment.
His contract at Bahia runs until December 2028 and includes a reported €100 million release clause, giving City Football Group significant protection over their asset.
That also keeps rival interest manageable.
Manchester United have previously been linked, but City’s ownership structure creates a clear advantage.
Key insights
- Manchester City are planning a long-term pathway for Bahia striker Dell
- City Football Group could move him to Europe this summer
- Troyes, Girona and Lommel are possible destinations
- Dell turns 18 in June, allowing a European transfer
- Manchester United have previously monitored the teenager
What’s next
Dell’s immediate focus remains on continuing his rise at Bahia, but internal discussions over his next move are expected to intensify once he becomes eligible for a European transfer in June.
City Football Group will assess the best developmental fit, balancing playing time with competitive level.
If that step goes well, Manchester City could eventually bring him into Guardiola’s wider plans.
For now, the process looks carefully mapped out. Could Dell become Manchester City’s next elite striker project?
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