Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to lose one of their key attacking talents after Manchester United triggered Matheus Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause, as reported by Sky Sports. The Brazilian forward played a crucial role under Vítor Pereira last season, and his departure marks a significant loss for Wolves heading into the 2025/26 season.
Cunha To Exit Molineux After United Pay Release Clause
Release Clause Leaves Wolves Powerless
Cunha signed a new contract in January containing a release clause that allowed him to leave should any club meet the £62.5 million fee, and Manchester United have now done just that. Despite Wolves’ desire to keep hold of the player, the clause meant that the club had no choice but to accept the offer.
Read More: Wolves Eye Midfielder With ‘Very Best’ Defensive Metrics’ In His League
The 26-year-old arrived at Molineux from Atlético Madrid in 2023 and quickly became a fan favourite. Known for his tenacity, dribbling, and link-up play, Cunha was often a focal point in Pereira’s squad.
United’s Initial Approach Rejected
Before activating the release clause, Manchester United attempted to secure Cunha via instalments over five years, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. However, Wolves rejected that offer, remaining firm on their stance that the clause must be paid within two years – a clear reflection of the Midlands club’s strengthened negotiating position.
Read More:‘He’ll Be In The First Team With Us’ Wolves Looking To Tie Down Exciting 17-Year-OldProspect
According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Cunha’s weekly wages will jump from £120,000 to £200,000 following his move to Old Trafford. That significant increase would have been difficult for Wolves to match without breaking their wage structure, with no player at the club earning that much, another factor that made retaining the Brazilian increasingly unlikely once United entered the picture.
What Cunha’s Departure Means For Wolves
Cunha’s exit leaves a significant void in the Wolves’ attack. He scored crucial goals, operated as both a central striker and an attacking midfielder, and provided flair in an often pragmatic system. With Saša Kalajdžić struggling with fitness and Hwang Hee-Chan prone to inconsistency, Wolves will now need to reinvest wisely.
Read More: ‘I Don’t Want To Rule Anything Out’ Striker Hints At Summer Exit From Wolves
While the £62.5 million windfall offers financial flexibility, replacing Cunha’s unique skill set won’t be easy. The club’s recruitment department faces pressure to bring in a forward who can fit seamlessly into Pereira’s tactical blueprint, particularly with European qualification aspirations on the horizon.
For many Wolves fans, this is another chapter in a now-familiar story: developing or reviving a talented player, only to see him poached by a bigger club. From Diogo Jota to Pedro Neto, and now Cunha, the cycle continues. However, Wolves are now in a stronger position to demand top value, and they’ve certainly done that here.