Manchester United are closing in on their first major signing of the summer as they prepare to activate the £62.5 million release clause for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha.
Sources close to the deal have told BBC Sport that United are confident of landing the 25-year-old attacker, with negotiations now at an advanced stage. The move, which would see Cunha join the Red Devils in a two-year structured payment plan, is expected to be finalised in the coming days.
United will pay the full amount of the release clause in three instalments. The first payment, approximately £20.8 million, will be made upon confirmation of the transfer. A second payment will follow at the end of the 2025-26 season, with the final tranche due by the summer of 2027. The financial structuring allows United to manage their summer budget without breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.
Although Wolves have yet to receive an official bid, formal contact is anticipated imminently. Given Cunha’s buy-out clause, Wolves are unable to block the move if United meet the financial terms stipulated in the player’s contract. That clause has simplified the process significantly, removing the need for protracted club-to-club negotiations.
Personal terms are also nearing completion, with multiple sources indicating that a verbal agreement on Cunha’s package has already been reached. Final formalities, such as signing and official club approval, remain, but there are no significant hurdles expected.
Cunha has enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Premier League, scoring 15 goals in 33 appearances during the 2024-25 season. His form saw him finish as Wolves’ top scorer and tie with compatriots Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Martinelli as the Brazilian with the most goals in a single Premier League season.
The attacker joined Wolves initially on loan from Atlético Madrid in January 2023 before the move was made permanent in the summer of that year. In total, he has made 92 appearances for the Molineux club, scoring 33 goals in all competitions. His blend of pace, creativity, and directness made him a key figure in Gary O’Neil’s setup.
Cunha appeared to bid farewell to Wolves fans after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford, likely his final appearance in the gold and black shirt. In a heartfelt social media post, the Brazil international reflected on his time at the club with gratitude.
“Individually it was the best season of my life,” he wrote. “All of this was only possible because of all the dedication and love I have for this club. I became the Brazilian with the most goals in a Premier League season along with Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Martinelli.
“I made mistakes and got things right, but always because I lived this club so much. All I ever wanted was to do the impossible for Wolves. Another one is over. And thank you for all the affection.”
The imminent arrival of Cunha is expected to bolster a Manchester United side that finished the 2024-25 campaign on a disappointing note. With uncertainty still surrounding the future of several attacking players, including Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho, manager Erik ten Hag is keen to add more firepower to his frontline.
Cunha’s ability to play across the front three, coupled with his high work rate and flair, has made him a desirable target. United’s recruitment team have been tracking his progress for months and believe he can add immediate impact and long-term value.
Should the deal go through as expected, Cunha will become United’s third-most expensive signing of all time, behind Paul Pogba and Antony. The move also marks a significant return on investment for Wolves, who paid a reported £43 million to make his loan permanent last year.
As the summer transfer window opens, this could be the first domino to fall in what promises to be an eventful few months at Old Trafford.
