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£40m striker Wolves wanted in 2022 could come back to haunt them this weekend - opinion

Wolves striker Matheus Cunha is developing into the unbelievable talent they signed from Atletico Madrid at the start of 2023.

Cunha was instrumental once more on Saturday, scoring two sublime goals and assisting Joao Gomes in Wolves 4-1 thrashing of Fulham.

Alan Shearer dubbed Cunha ‘magnificent’ for his rise into an exceptional Premier League talent, with the 25-year-old recording 10 goal involvements in 12 matches this term – seven goals and three assists.

While Cunha is now attracting transfer interest from ‘big clubs’ following his incredible form in the past year, Gary O’Neil must keep the forward at all costs.

The former Atletico Madrid man is one of three Brazilians at the club currently, with Gomes and Andre also flourishing in gold, but Wolves could have had a fourth on their books if one transfer target joined in 2022.

Evanilson of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Vitality Stadium on November ...

Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

Wolves nearly signed Bournemouth striker Evanilson in 2022

In the summer of 2022, Wolves were searching for Raul Jimenez’s future successor, as the Mexican declined in front of goal and was poised to leave the club.

Bruno Lage’s search for a striker drew him towards Porto centre-forward Evanilson, who was also on the radar of Manchester United at the time.

Wolves enquired about signing Evanilson, but the Portuguese giants were demanding an eye-watering £68m for the Brazilian, and that was way beyond what they were willing to play.

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Instead, the striker remained in Portugal till this summer when Bournemouth used the Dominic Solanke cash to snap him up for £40 million after he plundered 60 goals in 154 appearances for Porto.

This weekend, Evanilson could come back to haunt Wolves as they host Bournemouth in the Premier League, and the 25-year-old is in solid scoring form, just like Jorgen Strand Larsen.

How Evanilson compares to Jorgen Strand Larsen

While the Old Gold failed to capture the Brazilian over two years ago, they did manage to sign a striker this summer, as Strand Larsen was snapped up on loan from Celta Vigo with an option to buy.

The 24-year-old has taken to England’s top flight like a duck to water. Interestingly, the pair have both scored four Premier League goals each this term.

Premier League 2023/24 statistics Jorgen Strand Larsen Evanilson

Matches played 12 11

Goals 4 4

Shot-creating actions per 90 1.46 2.60

Assists per 90 0.18 0

Shots total per 90 1.46 2.60

Aerials won per 90 2.47 1.69

Tackles per 90 0.37 0.56

As delineated by the above table, there isn’t much to separate the two players, and both strikers will be licking their lips at the prospect of adding to their totals of four goals this weekend.

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