The summer transfer window is on the horizon, and Vitor Pereira already knows that replacing Matheus Cunha is of utmost importance.
Since Cunha signed a new contract in February with a £62.5 million release clause inserted, the 25-year-old has been subjected to significant transfer interest.
Multiple clubs including Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United have all shown they’re keen to sign him, but it’s the latter who are leading the race.
Man United have agreed to sign Cunha from Wolves, and barring any late hiccups, he will be moving to Old Trafford swiftly.
Supporters are longing for the day this saga is brought to an end, but they’re also wondering who replaces him, and now, they may have their answer.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Wolves have joined the race to sign Manchester City’s James McAtee
For all of his attitude and disciplinary troubles, Cunha is an excellent footballer who everyone at Molineux will sorely miss.
The Brazilian has plundered 17 goals in all competitions this term, telling of the threat he carries, while highlighting the importance of finding a replacement.
🚨 Exclusive: Understand Wolves are interested in signing Man City attacking midfielder James McAtee. Not easy to sign the #MCFC man with many clubs in the Premier League and across Europe to compete with, but #WWFC are keen. https://t.co/D7X2ubcCS7
— Charlie Haffenden (@JournoHaff) May 22, 2025
According to journalist Charlie Haffenden, Wolves have earmarked Manchester City’s James McAtee as a possible replacement for Cunha, but face a huge problem.
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A plethora of Premier League clubs and teams from abroad are interested in sealing the 22-year-old’s signature, who has scored seven goals in all competitions this term.
McAtee is an attacking midfielder, similar to Cunha, who likes to drive with the ball from deep and occupy pockets of space behind the striker.
The Englishman wants to depart the Etihad Stadium for regular first-team football, something that Wolves can promise him.
The Man City youngster is reportedly available for £25 million this summer, which would be a bargain for any team that lands him, and Wolves will hope it’s them.
What Tommy Doyle has said about McAtee
Wanderers midfielder Tommy Doyle and McAtee share similarities. They’re both products of the Man City academy, and the duo have also spent time on loan at Sheffield United.
In 2022/23, the young midfield pairing spent the campaign at Bramall Lane, which ended in promotion to the Premier League for United.
McAtee was a revelation in attacking midfield, scoring nine goals in the Championship, while Doyle was incredible as a deep-lying playmaker.
However, whilst their loans were a success, McAtee struggled at the start and during a fixture against Luton Town in August 2022, was substituted at half-time.
But despite getting his manager’s bad books, Doyle leaped to the defence of his teammate, labelling him a ‘fantastic’ player.
“He’s obviously a fantastic footballer,” Doyle said. “Me and him have played many games together in City’s academy and he’s a brilliant player and a great lad.”
“I think games like that will teach you things more than anything, and he’ll be fine. I know him very well, he’ll be fine. He’ll dust himself off and be ready to go again. He’ll be fine.”