'Pretty soon' - Teammate accepts exit of £62m Newcastle United target - keen to join Manchester United

Wolverhampton Wanderers seem resigned to losing Matheus Cunha this summer after teammate Matt Doherty’s admission.

Cunha only signed a new contract at Molineux in February but his £62.5million release clause has alerted a number of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United.

The 25-year-old joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid in January 2023, initially on loan before completing a £35m permanent move in the following summer. In two-and-a-half seasons, Cunha has 88 appearances and scored 88 goals, 17 of which have come this season.

Wolves resigned to losing Matheus Cunha?

Doherty took part in Sky Sports Premier League’s sticker book challenge and as part of the discussion was asked to name his most talented teammates. Cunha featured and in very good company too alongside Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, who he played with at Tottenham Hotspur, and former Atletico Madrid teammate Antoine Griezmann.

And when pressed on Cunha, the Republic of Ireland international appeared to accept that he won’t be his teammate for much longer, backing him to play at the highest level “pretty soon”.

“Sometimes it takes you to move away from a place to find yourself and realise what you need to do to get back there,” Doherty said. “He should be playing week in, week out for Atletico Madrid.

“For whatever reason, that’s not the case but I’m pretty sure he’s going to be playing at the highest level imaginable in the Champions League pretty soon.”

Manchester United lead Matheus Cunha race

Newcastle are among the teams interested in signing the Brazilian, who is international teammates with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. However, Manchester United are reportedly favourites to sign him instead.

Last month, Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: “Personal terms are being discussed, as Man Utd are aware of more clubs keen + £62.5m release clause available. Good feelings after initial contacts between Cunha and #MUFC.”

“More on Matheus Cunha and Man United. The feeling between player side and club side on new meeting was very positive, after project explained and terms discussed. More meetings will be needed but Man United feel they’re leading the race for Cunha, as reported yesterday.”

Meanwhile, Romano’s most recent update said: “Manchester United maintain optimism for Matheus Cunha deal as the club feels he really wants the move. UCL football not expected to be a factor with Cunha keen on the move, as Man United would be ready to pay £62.5m clause in installments if Wolves approve. Talks continue.”

Matheus Cunha has made his ambitions clear

Man United cannot qualify for the Champions League through the Premier League, however will if they win the Europa League. Ruben Amorim’s side face Athletic Bilbao in a two-legged semi-final and will face either Tottenham Hotspur or FK Bodo/Glimt in the final.

Meanwhile, Newcastle, after winning the Carabao Cup, are on track to finish inside the top five, currently sitting third.

Speaking to the Guardian previously about his future, Cunha said: “I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it.

“Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone. Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”

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