Matheus Cunha’s transfer from Atletico Madrid to Wolves midway through the 2022/23 season raised a few eyebrows.
An initial loan with a £45 million obligation to buy followed a season where he featured just 11 times for Los Colchoneros, contributing two assists, and struggled to hold down a permanent role in the team.
But the Brazilian’s fortunes turned at Molineux, and he is now one of the most revered forwards in the Premier League, bagging 14 goals and four assists in a break-out season in the Black Country.
His fluidity and skillset allow Cunha to play numerous roles across the front line. He's predominantly featured as a central attacking midfielder but has enjoyed spells on the left and right and as a lone striker when called upon.
His diversity makes him an attractive option, and as the vultures start to circulate over an impending departure, the noise regarding his next move increases.
Bookmakers have already opened Matheus Cunha’s transfer markets as we look ahead to see where this exciting 25-year-old will end up.
| Club | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United | 7/2 | Bet365 |
| Manchester United | 4/1 | Bet365 |
| Liverpool | 6/1 | Bet365 |
| Arsenal | 13/2 | Bet365 |
| Nottingham Forest | 8/1 | Bet365 |
| To stay at Wolves | 8/1 | Bet365 |
Magpie de Janeiro? Cunha to Newcastle
Newcastle leads the betting for Cunha’s next club, priced at 7/2 with bet365.
Eddie Howe has been a long-term admirer of Wolves’ star boy, and Criag Hope has already reported that the Magpies are looking to trigger his £62.5 million release clause to bolster the Samba invasion on Tyneside.
It might come down to whether Newcastle can make the Champions League for the second time in three seasons as to whether this move gets done.
But the lure of playing alongside international teammates Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton might be enough to sway his decisions to a team that’s very much on the up.
The problem, if you can call it that, would be where Cunha would fit in.
Newcastle have played an almost religious 4-3-3 under Howe, without a traditional attacking midfielder through the middle. Alexander Isak’s impressive form has cemented the central striker role, so flexibility to shoehorn the Brazilian is imperative.
A formation change will be needed for this move to happen, but given their recent league and cup success, it seems unlikely. Instead, Cunha will have to modify to a wide role, most likely on the right to replace Jacob Murphy.
Will he be willing to adapt to force the move?
Possibly not, which makes the 7/2 price seem a little short.
A Brazilian Theatre of Dreams? Cunha to Manchester United
In terms of “fit”, few clubs will be more suited to Cunha’s style of play than Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim is still trying to impose his 3-4-2-1 formation that worked so effectively at Sporting CP on the way to winning two Liga Portugal titles.
The reality is that the squad of players have yet to adapt, with United on target to record their worst ever Premier League campaign.
If a move came about, the Wolves star would breathe much-needed life into a frontline that has struggled to find the back of the net, with 38 goals in 32 games (6th lowest).
He’d also be able to feature in his preferred central role, with Amorim favouring two attacking midfielders to sit behind a central striker – a position that also needs addressing in the summer.
There’s no doubt that Cunha would be a fit for United, but would United be a fit for Cunha?
Unless the Red Devils can win the Europa League, there will be no European football at Old Trafford next season. This will surely be a deal breaker, given the calibre of clubs in the chase to cement Matheus Cunha’s transfer status.
Like Newcastle, odds of 4/1 look short, and it seems unlikely that a “Welcome to Manchester” advertising board will be unveiled for the Brazilian any time soon.
From Brazil to Bootle? Cunha Transfer to Liverpool
Arne Slot is about to lock in his first silverware as Liverpool manager as they romp to a second Premier League title in six seasons.
Their dominance has been impressive to watch, albeit with little competition from the usual suspects, and plans are afoot to build for next season.
With Mo Salah’s contract saga finally put to bed as he pens a new two-year deal, and Virgil van Dijk set to extend his stay on Merseyside, Slot has admitted that the summer will still be “busy” regarding new recruits.
Even with Mo Salah breaking the Premier League goal involvement record, the forward line has been a rare headache for Slot.
Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have scored fewer goals than Salah combined this season, and Cunha would be seen as an ideal Premier League-ready replacement.
Slot plays a more versatile 4-3-3 than most, often switching between a 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2, which will again suit Cunha’s versatility.
The reality is that The Reds are the best team in the country right now. They’re looking to freshen up their forward line with proven, out-of-the-box players who can find the back of the net and provide cover as needed.
At 6/1 with bet365, these odds look like value from the Cunha transfer market, and if Liverpool comes calling, he’ll be on a ferry across the Mersey quicker than you can say Gerry and the Pacemakers.
