Manchester City’s long-term work with Bahia has already placed youngsters like Dell and Ruan Pablo firmly on the radar, and the next phase of that plan is now taking shape behind the scenes.
The Brazilian club, part of the City Football Group structure, are refining how those talents are developed. As a result, the pathway from Salvador to Europe is becoming more structured and deliberate.
According to Globo Esporte, Bahia have implemented an Individual Development Program (IDP) aimed at accelerating the progress of their top academy players.
The initiative reflects a model already used across other CFG clubs, including Manchester City themselves.
Individual development aligned with City Football Group model
The programme is led by João Milanez, now appointed as Individual Development Coordinator after previously working with the club’s U15 side. His role centres on creating tailored development plans for each player.
These plans integrate technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects. The intention is clear – produce more complete footballers, ready for elite competition.
Milanez explained the approach as one built on a “holistic vision”, combining different departments to maximise each player’s evolution. Weekly individual sessions are also part of the process, with targeted on-pitch interventions and video analysis.
Importantly, this is not an isolated idea within Bahia. Milanez gained experience across the CFG network, visiting clubs such as Troyes, Lommel and Manchester City to understand how individual development is handled at different levels.
That background now feeds directly into Bahia’s structure. The club are effectively applying a system already tested across the group.
Talents already monitored by Manchester City
João Milanez’s work will directly impact a group of 15 selected prospects, including names already linked with Manchester City in recent months.
Dell is perhaps the most advanced case. The 17-year-old ‘Brazilian Haaland’ has already broken into Bahia’s first team, making 16 appearances and scoring four goals. As we covered earlier this week, Spanish press have outlined a potential pathway within CFG, with European clubs such as Troyes or Lommel viewed as possible next steps before any move to Manchester City. If a rival club don’t snatch him first, that is.
Ruan Pablo is another closely followed talent. Still only 17, he recently renewed his contract until 2030, with Bahia strengthening their control over his future. Manchester City staff are understood to be monitoring his development, and he has already spent time training in Manchester. Pep Guardiola himself is said to be an admirer.
Alongside them, players such as Kauê Furquim, Dieguinho and David Martins are also part of the IDP structure. The trio was signed last year as a part of CFG’s plan in Brazil. While less exposed internationally, they are now developing within the same framework designed to prepare players for the European game.
Why this matters for Manchester City
Manchester City
Ruan Pablo, Dell and the other selected prospects are now developing within a system designed to mirror the demands of the City Football Group at multiple levels.
That has clear implications. Manchester City are not only identifying talent early, but also shaping how it evolves before any move to Europe.
By aligning development methods across Bahia, Lommel, Troyes and the first team environment, CFG can reduce adaptation time and maintain closer control over each player’s progression.
In practice, this creates a more efficient pipeline. Players can move step by step through the network, already familiar with tactical expectations and performance standards.
For Manchester City, it strengthens a model focused on long-term planning. And for talents like Dell and Ruan Pablo, it places them firmly within a pathway that remains under close supervision from the Premier League side.