The 17-year-old Brazamataz "Brazilian Haaland" is already being eyed by several top clubs, including Manchester City, and has a release clause of £87 million.

 The 17-year-old Brazamataz "Brazilian Haaland" is already being eyed by several top clubs, including Manchester City, and has a release clause of £87 million.

Manchester City reportedly wants to sign the "Brazilian Haaland."

But the 17-year-old already has a release clause of £87 million.

Wendson Wanderlei Santos de Melo – or Dale – is garnering praise in his home country thanks to his performances for both club and country.

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The teenage striker made his senior debut for Brazilian top team Bahia in January, when he was only 16 years old.

But he had already been making a name for himself in the club's academy for several years prior.

Dale scored 40 goals in 34 matches for the Under-17s in 2023 and added 12 goals in 21 matches the following year, helping Bahia win its first regional Baianao championship.

These amazing goalscoring exploits earned him the nickname "Halland of the Sertão" – a reference to the region in northwest Brazil where he comes from.

He was subsequently called up to play for Brazil's youth teams.

In 2024, he won the Golden Boot at the Under-15 South American Championship with four goals and two assists.

He then led Brazil to the Under-17 title this March and has been called up to play in the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in November.

And given his exceptional talent and consistent goalscoring ability, Bahia are well aware of the potential value of their sensational player.

So much so that they have signed him to a professional contract until 2027 with a release clause of £87 million.

Dale – who has signed with Brazilian super-agent Giuliano Bertolucci – dreams of playing in Europe.

And especially Manchester City, whose owners, City Football Group, also own a 90 percent stake in Bahia, meaning a deal between the two teams could be much easier.

According to ESPN, AC Milan are also keeping an eye on the player, but City would be the favorite due to their ties to Bahia.

And a move to the Etihad appeals to the 5-foot-9 Dele.

He told ESPN: "Every player dreams of playing at a high level in Europe.

"My dream is to play for a club like Manchester City, which for me is the best club in the world. But I'm confident things will happen naturally.

"Before that, I want to play here in Bahia, win titles, become an idol, and then make my way to Europe.

"Who knows, maybe I'll win titles and become an idol at Manchester City too."

Regarding Erling Haaland's nickname – which is more related to his goalscoring ability than his physical appearance – Dele added: "I'm very happy to have received that nickname.

"Haaland is an inspiration to many people. He's a player whose videos I enjoy watching, both inside and outside the box.

"I think my actions are similar to his.

"I have a few other idols, but besides Haaland, one striker I admire and have always followed since the youth academy is [Al-Hilal striker] Marcos Leonardo, who came from Santos. I love watching him play."

But it looks like Dele is hopeful that City fans will enjoy watching him play and score goals at the Etihad for years to come.