NafisaManchester United have reached an agreement with Wolves for the acquisition of Brazil forward Matheus Cunha.
The 26-year-old is poised to become United’s first addition of the summer after the club triggered a £62.5m release clause in Cunha’s Wolves contract.
The ex-Atletico Madrid playmaker will put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with an option to extend for another 12 months.
Cunha was in Manchester over the weekend to undergo a medical with the club.
The transfer, which remains subject to visa clearance and registration steps, is expected to be finalised once Cunha returns from international duty with Brazil later this month.
Cunha departed the Lowry Hotel in Salford on Sunday morning to link up with the national team.
Brazil take on Ecuador on Thursday (Friday 00:00 BST) in a World Cup qualifier, marking Carlo Ancelotti’s debut match in charge.
Cunha has delivered an outstanding season with the Midlands outfit, netting 15 goals and recording six assists in the Premier League this term.
In contrast, no United player hit double digits in the league, while the senior striker duo of Rasmus Hojlind and Joshua Zirkzee managed just seven goals combined.
Consequently, reinforcing the attacking unit was seen as a pressing concern by the Old Trafford hierarchy, with Cunha viewed as the ideal solution to the club’s underperforming frontline.
The 26-year-old forward’s deal at Molineux included a £62.5 million release clause, which United have now activated. They will spread the fee over three instalments of £20.85 million within a two-year span.
Cunha’s wages at Wolves were believed to be around £120,000 per week, but this will rise to £200,000 per week once he trades his gold jersey for a red one.
The attacker found the net 31 times in 76 matches for Wolves after completing a permanent transfer in 2023.
He initially arrived at the club in a £35m switch from Atletico Madrid, following a productive six-month loan spell the previous campaign.
Ruben Amorim is determined to bolster United’s frontline this summer after the club endured their worst-ever Premier League season – finishing 15th.
Cunha is anticipated to take the iconic number ten jersey at Old Trafford – currently worn by Marcus Rashford, despite the England forward’s loan to Aston Villa – a clear indication of the trust United are placing in their latest acquisition.
Wolves also confirm Cunha departure:
Wolves additionally confirmed the transfer has been completed on their social platforms. They wrote: ‘Matheus Cunha has completed a permanent move to Manchester United.’
Cunha will be a significant loss for Wolves, but they’ll appreciate the substantial fee received. The club will no doubt aim to reinvest during this transfer window to steer clear of relegation next season.
Replacing a player of Cunha’s quality, however, will be a considerable challenge.
Nafisa
