Lopetegui confirms Man Utd target Cunha will join Wolves in January

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 3 min read

Newly-appointed Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha will sign for the club during the January transfer window.

Cunha, 23, joined the Spanish giants for €30 million back in August 2021, but is set to depart the Wanda Metropolitano after scoring just seven goals in 54 appearances for the club.

The Brazilian, who has eight international caps to his name, was heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester United during the 2022 summer window, but a move never materialised.

READ: Chelsea offered Joao Felix and Cunha by Atletico Madrid

Back in November, Marca reported that the Red Devils were prepared to revive their interest in Cunha during the January transfer window, but they are set to be beaten to his signature by fellow Premier League side Wolves.

Lopetegui confirmed in his press conference ahead of his side's clash with Everton on Boxing Day: "It’s clear now, he [Matheus Cunha] will be our player — a very good signing, I’m sure Cunha can do very well for present and future. He’s perfect for Premier League."

It has been reported that Cunha will join Wolves on an initial six-month loan deal, with an obligation to buy for €50m included in the contract.

READ: Ruben Neves to Barcelona in January: The state of play

Wolves turn to Cunha to save their season

The Midlands-based club sit rock bottom of the English top flight on just 10 points as the Premier League prepares to return to action on Boxing Day following a pause for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Bruno Lage was sacked after a poor start to the campaign, with interim boss Steve Davis taking charge before Lopetegui was appointed in early November.

During his first game in charge, Wolves ran out 2-0 winners over Gillingham in the Carabao Cup thanks to goals from Raul Jimenez and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

However, goals have been the problem this season, with Wolves registering just eight strikes in the league this season - the second worst of any team in the Football League, ahead of only the aforementioned Gillingham, who are bottom of League Two.

They have turned to Cunha in an attempt to fix that, with the Brazilian deemed the solution to their struggles in front of goal. He scored six goals in 29 La Liga appearances last season, but is yet to get off the mark this campaign.