Manchester City favourites to sign ‘Brazilian Haaland’, ex-Tottenham forward Son Heung-min could make European return – Paper Round
Manchester City are reportedly chasing the “Brazilian Haaland” – a teenage forward who is renowned for plundering goals in his home country. Elsewhere, former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min could return to Europe on a loan deal from Los Angeles FC, and a former Liverpool midfielder is set to join Celtic from RB Salzburg.
Man City favourites to sign Brazilian wonderkid
Manchester City are tracking the progress of a wonderkid being labelled a ‘Brazilian Erling Haaland‘.
Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo – or Dell – plays for Bahia and has been earning a reputation as an incredible goalscorer.
“But the 17-year-old already has an £87 million release clause,” writes The Sun.
“The teenage striker made his senior debut for Brazilian top-flight side Bahia in January when he was still only 16. But he was making a name for himself years earlier in the club’s academy.
“Dell banged in a whopping 40 goals in 34 matches for the Under-17s in 2023, then 12 in 21 the following year as Bahia won their first regional Baianao Championships.
“Those crazy goalscoring exploits earned him the nickname the ‘Haaland of Sertao’ – referencing the region in north-west Brazil he comes from.”
It adds: “Dell – who is signed to Brazilian super-agent Giuliano Bertolucci – dreams of playing in Europe.
“And in particular Manchester City, whose City Football Group owners also have a 90% stake in Bahia, meaning a deal between the sides could be very simple.
“According to ESPN, AC Milan are also tracking the kid but City would be favourites due to their links with Bahia.”
Son could make European return
Son Heung-min could make a return to Europe during the Major League Soccer off-season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur captain has scored eight goals and provided three assists in his first nine games for Los Angeles FC.
“His contract reportedly includes a clause similar to the one David Beckham had when he joined LA Galaxy, which allowed him to play for AC Milan during the MLS off-season,” notes The Sun.
“Thierry Henry also had a similar arrangement in his MLS deal, which saw New York Red Bulls loan him to Arsenal temporarily in 2012.
“SunSport understands that in Son’s case, the upcoming World Cup in mid-2026 could influence how he uses any off-season – potentially opting to rest and prepare for what is likely to be his final tournament with South Korea.
“Given he’s just come off 10 successful seasons at Tottenham, it remains to be seen whether a club in Europe could tempt him to return on a short-term basis for three or four months.”
Clark to join Celtic
Former Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark is set to join Celtic from RB Salzburg in January for £6 million, according to The Times.
Clark moved to Salzburg in the summer of 2024 for £10m but is currently on loan at Championship side Derby County, where he has played 10 times this season.
“The 20-year-old is ready to make a permanent move to Scotland with Brendan Rodgers’ side, who are second in the Scottish Premiership table,” writes The Times.
“Clark had signed a five-year contract at Salzburg but was keen to return to the UK with the prospect of regular football.
“Now that looks like it will lead him to Glasgow and Celtic’s quest to win their fifth successive Scottish Premiership title, and European football under Rodgers in the Europa League.”
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