Wolves fans will be excited to see the back of the Matheus Cunha transfer saga, as one barrier is currently in the way of a move being completed.
After a slow start to the 2022/23 campaign, Cunha truly showcased his talents under Gary O’Neil, becoming one of the Premier League’s best forwards.
The Brazilian found a place he could call home at Molineux, but after firing double-digit hauls in successive campaigns, Cunha is ready to move on.
Cunha revealed he wanted to leave Wolves in March, and since then, Manchester United have led the race for his signature.
Man United have offered Cunha £200k-a-week ahead of his pending transfer to Old Trafford, but they will need to navigate past one issue to complete it.
Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Matheus Cunha waiting on a visa before completing Man United medical
Man United have agreed on payment terms with Cunha, and it was revealed that a transfer would be finalised at the start of next week after a long-running saga.
Former captain Mario Lemina even sent a message to Cunha, wishing him well for the future, even before he becomes a United player.
All on track with Matheus Cunha's move to Man United. Regardless of when the deal is announced, Cunha's contract may not start until July 1 to allow United to place the first instalment on the next financial year. Cunha waiting on a visa before undergoing his #MUFC medical.🩺 pic.twitter.com/xwM1Co3Ysj
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 29, 2025
Now, according to Ben Jacobs, the Brazilian is waiting on a visa before undergoing his medical. Further, his contract at his new club may not begin until July 1, so the first instalment can be paid at the start of the next financial year.
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It begs the question of why the 26-year-old needs a visa to join the Red Devils, despite playing football in England for almost three years.
Why Matheus Cunha needs a visa before joining Manchester United
According to Withers, foreign players still need visas to play in England, even after playing there for years.
That is because the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system requires non-UK nationals to obtain work permits.
The main visa option for professional footballers is the International Sportsperson visa, which allows them to play for up to three years, with the possibility of extending it.
After five years on this visa, they may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain. So, when it reaches 2028, Cunha probably won’t need to renew his visa.
Once this minor problem is resolved, Cunha’s transfer to Old Trafford will be finalised, and then the hunt for a replacement will begin.