Atletico Madrid complete €30m signing of Brazil star

Robin Bairner

Updated: 25 Aug 2021 12:46 BST
3 min read

Diego Simeone has signed a new Atletico Madrid contract until 2024 — © ProShots

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that they have signed Matheus Cunha from Hertha Berlin, with the attacker joining the Spanish club for a reported fee of €30 million.

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Cunha becomes Atletico Madrid’s second major signing of the summer, having previously captured Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese.

He comes into Diego Simeone’s squad to fill the void left by Moussa Dembele, whose six-month loan deal from Lyon was not made permanent in the summer. The Frenchman, meanwhile, had replaced Diego Costa, who was released in the winter transfer window of 2021.

Atleti confirm Cunha arrival

Atleti released a statement on their official website confirming: “We have reached an agreement with Hertha BSC over the transfer of the Brazilian, who has signed a five-year contract.

“Atletico de Madrid and Hertha BSC have reached an agreement over the transfer of Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian (May 27, 1999) has signed a five-year contract.

“The 22-year-old is a versatile player who can play in various positions – as a striker, winger or even attacking midfielder.

Welcome, Matheus Cunha! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/7fnD2o1kSb
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 25, 2021

“A product of the Coritiba academy, he moved to Europe in 2017 to join FC Sion, where he produced 10 goals and eight assists in 29 matches. The Brazilian then played two seasons at RB Leipzig before joining Hertha BSC in 2019. At the Bundesliga club, he has scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists.

“Cunha was called up by the Brazil National Team to face Bolivia and Peru in October 2020. This summer, he won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, where he played a major role. The 22-year-old started every game in the tournament – except for the semifinal game against Mexica, when he was injured – and scored three times.

“Welcome, Matheus Cunha!”

Cunha’s arrival could have implications elsewhere in the squad, with midfielder Saul Niguez potentially on the move as Atleti attempt to cut costs in what is a bloated area of their squad.