Manchester City build Brazil talent pipeline as Bahia launch new player model

Manchester City’s long-term talent strategy in Brazil is entering a new phase, with partner club Bahia introducing a more structured development model for some of the country’s brightest young prospects.

The move is part of the wider City Football Group system and could play an important role in shaping the futures of highly-rated youngsters already being tracked by Manchester City.

According to Globo Esporte, Bahia have now launched an Individual Development Program (IDP), designed to fast-track elite academy talent through tailored training and performance plans.

It is a system built to create stronger links between Brazil and Europe.

And for Manchester City, that matters.

The new programme is being led by João Milanez, who has stepped into the role of Individual Development Coordinator after previously working within Bahia’s youth structure.

Each player receives a personalised development plan covering technical growth, tactical understanding, physical progression and mental preparation.

The idea is to create more complete players earlier.

That approach mirrors methods already used across City Football Group clubs, including Manchester City, City Football Group, ES Troyes AC and Lommel S.K..

Milanez has reportedly visited several clubs within the CFG network to study those systems first-hand, bringing that knowledge back into Bahia’s structure.

Weekly individual sessions, video analysis and position-specific coaching are now key parts of the model.

This is not just academy work.

It is pathway building.

Among the 15 selected players inside Bahia’s IDP structure, two names stand out.

Dell has emerged as one of the club’s most exciting young forwards and has already started making first-team appearances.

The 17-year-old striker has been compared in Brazil for his physical style and goal threat, earning growing attention across Europe.

Reports earlier this week suggested CFG clubs in France and Belgium could become the next step before any long-term Manchester City move.

Then there is Ruan Pablo.

Still only 17, he recently signed a contract extension until 2030 and is viewed internally as one of Bahia’s highest-upside players.

Manchester City’s interest has been well documented, and the midfielder has already spent time training in Manchester.

That exposure matters.

It gives the club an earlier look at adaptation levels before any bigger decision is made.

The next stage for players like Dell and Ruan Pablo will likely involve continued first-team exposure at Bahia before possible movement into Europe through other CFG clubs.

That pathway could include Belgium or France before Manchester City becomes a realistic step.

For City, this remains a long-term project rather than an immediate first-team solution.