Manchester City may be the club Wenderson Dell dreams of, but it is Manchester United who are now watching him closely at the U17 World Cup.
The 17-year-old Bahia striker has become one of the main attractions of the tournament, as highlighted by [**ESPN**](https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/selecao-brasileira/artigo/_/id/15987001/conheca-dell-haaland-do-sertao-destaque-selecao-brasileira-mundial-sub-17-que-sonha-com-manchester-city). He scored twice in Brazil’s 2-1 win against Morocco to secure a place in the semifinals.
His performances have also reinforced the nickname that has followed him across Brazil – the “Backlands’ Haaland”.
#### Top form at the biggest stage yet
Dell is currently the tournament’s vice-top scorer with five goals. He found the net three times in the group stage and stepped up again in the knockout rounds.
His form has put him firmly on United’s radar, with English journalists reporting that the club have been tracking him closely during the competition.
Dell is the vice-top scorer of the competition with five goals. He struck three times in the group stage and delivered again in the knockout rounds, helping Brazil push towards the final.
#### Interest from Manchester United
His rise has caught the attention of English scouts, and [**UK journalists**](https://x.com/GraemeBailey/status/1992540964955812334?s=20) already reported that Manchester United are monitoring him throughout the tournament as they build their data and scouting lists for 2026 and beyond.
The twist here is he plays for Bahia, part of the City Football Group. And the club recently renewed the youngster’s contract until the end of 2028.
Also, his release clause for foreign clubs is set at €100m, which reflects the club’s belief in his long-term potential. Even so, he has only two senior appearances so far, while his U20 record stands at 14 goals and one assist in 19 matches.
#### Manchester City connections
Adding to that, his nickname has become a central part of the story. Dell embraces the comparison and says he studies Erling Haaland’s movement both inside and outside the box.
Only after all the recent attention does Dell’s earlier interview come into play. Speaking to ESPN at the start of the year, he expressed a long-term wish to play for Manchester City, while insisting that the process should be natural and that he first aims to win titles with Bahia.
_“I have this dream of playing at a club like Manchester City, which for me is the best club in the world. But I believe things will happen naturally.”_
He added: _“Before that, I want to play here at Bahia, win titles, become an idol and then go build my path in Europe. Maybe win titles and become an idol at Manchester City too.”_
That dream remains intact… but for now, it is Manchester United who are taking a closer look. Meanwhile, the youngster continues to shine on the biggest youth stage of all.