In a whirlwind week for global football, two stories have captured the attention of fans from Los Angeles to Manchester: Son Heung-min’s electric arrival at LAFC and the rising star of Brazilian wonderkid Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo, known as Dell, who is drawing transfer buzz from the likes of Manchester City and AC Milan. As the MLS and European transfer markets heat up, each narrative offers a unique glimpse into how football’s biggest clubs are shaping their futures with bold moves and rising talent.
Son Heung-min, the South Korean superstar born in 1992, has always been a trailblazer. After a decade lighting up the English Premier League with Tottenham and becoming an icon for both club and country, Son stunned the football world this past summer by signing with Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in Major League Soccer. His decision was more than just a transfer; it was a statement. Despite lucrative offers from elite European sides and even more eye-watering contracts from Saudi Arabia, Son chose the challenge of American soccer, seeking to grow the game and his own legacy in a new environment.
But Son’s move to LAFC wasn’t just about a new adventure. According to SunSport, his contract includes a unique provision reminiscent of the famous “David Beckham clause.” This special arrangement allows Son to join a Premier League or European club on a short-term loan during the MLS mid-season break, echoing Beckham’s own stint with AC Milan while under contract with LA Galaxy, and Thierry Henry’s memorable return to Arsenal from New York Red Bulls in 2012. The door remains open for Son to make a dramatic return to Europe—should the right invitation come his way.
Since landing in Los Angeles, Son has wasted no time making his mark. In just nine matches for LAFC, he’s netted eight goals and provided three assists, immediately establishing himself as the team’s linchpin and propelling them into serious contention for the MLS title. At 33, Son’s professionalism and consistency have been a boon for his new club, with LAFC fans quickly embracing their new hero. His contract, which runs until 2027, gives the club a long-term foundation, but the possibility of a European encore lingers tantalizingly in the background.
Son’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. His arrival in MLS has ignited a media frenzy, with LAFC’s social media engagement skyrocketing by an astonishing 594%. His unveiling drew over 200,000 live viewers on YouTube, and his presence is being compared to that of Lionel Messi in terms of sheer impact—though, as of now, Son’s numbers haven’t quite eclipsed those of the Argentine legend. Still, his star power is undeniable, and he’s quickly become a central figure in MLS’s ongoing push for global recognition.
With more than a decade of elite experience at Tottenham and as captain of the South Korean national team, Son’s role as a football ambassador is only growing. Observers expect him to continue elevating the profile of Asian players worldwide, building on a legacy that already includes countless individual honors and a reputation for professionalism and humility. It’s no surprise that fans and pundits alike are watching closely for any hint of a surprise loan move back to Europe, especially as the MLS season enters its winter hiatus.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the future of Manchester City’s attack is a hot topic. While the club boasts a formidable front line, the search for the next big thing never stops. Enter Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo—Dell—the 17-year-old Brazilian striker who’s turning heads with his prodigious goal-scoring exploits. Nicknamed the “Haaland of Sertao,” Dell has already scored 40 goals in 34 matches for Brazil’s U-17 national team and made his first-team debut for Bahia at just 16.
Manchester City’s interest in Dell is no secret. Reports from the Mirror and ESPN confirm the club is monitoring his progress closely, even as AC Milan circles with its own ambitions. What makes this potential transfer even more intriguing is that City Football Group, Manchester City’s parent company, owns a staggering 90% of Bahia’s shares. This connection could smooth the path for negotiations, especially given Dell’s contract includes a release clause of £87 million—no small sum, but perhaps a worthwhile investment for a player of such promise.
Asked about his future, Dell was candid and composed. “Every player dreams of playing at the highest level in Europe. I dream of playing for a club like Manchester City, for me that’s the greatest club in the world. But I believe everything will happen naturally. First, I want to play at Bahia, win titles, become an idol, and then continue my career in Europe. Who knows, maybe I can win titles and become an idol at Manchester City too,” he told ESPN. His humility and focus have only added to his appeal, with fans following his journey with growing anticipation.
The comparisons to Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s current goal machine, aren’t lost on Dell. “I’m very happy to receive this nickname. Haaland is an inspiration for so many people. He’s a guy I really enjoy watching, both inside and outside the box. I think my movements are quite similar to his. I have a few other role models, but besides Haaland, a striker I’ve always followed since my days at the youth academy is Marcos Leonardo, who grew up at Santos. I enjoy watching him play,” Dell said. The young Brazilian’s admiration for Haaland is fitting, as the Norwegian star continues to dazzle for City, having recently signed a record nine-and-a-half-year contract and already tallying 12 goals in nine appearances this season.
Yet, as with all things in football, the future remains uncertain. Barcelona continues to be linked with Haaland, fueling speculation about potential blockbuster moves in the years ahead. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, ever the pragmatist, commented on the swirling rumors: “I think Erling Haaland is not stupid enough to sign a contract he doesn’t want. That’s for sure. But football, who knows what will happen next. Nobody knows.” Guardiola’s words are a reminder that while clubs plan meticulously, the beautiful game always has room for surprise.
As the autumn of 2025 unfolds, the football world finds itself at a crossroads of experience and youth, ambition and legacy. Son Heung-min’s American adventure continues to captivate, with LAFC fans dreaming of silverware and perhaps a fleeting European cameo. On the other side of the globe, Dell’s meteoric rise has Europe’s giants vying for his signature, as Manchester City ponders a future beyond Haaland. One thing’s certain: with stars like Son and Dell on the move, the next chapter of global football promises plenty of drama and excitement.
