Manchester United complete signing of Brazilian Matheus Cunha from Wolves

MANCHESTER – Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha said he had “dreamed of wearing the red shirt” of Manchester United, who announced on June 12 that they have completed the signing of the 26-year-old from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A tally of 33 goals and 15 assists in two-and-a-half seasons for Wolves had catapulted him to Premier League stardom and convinced United to trigger his release clause of around £62.5 million (S$108.7 million).

Cunha has inked a five-year contract, with an option of extending the deal by another year.

“It’s hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player,” he said. “Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt.

“I can’t wait for the start of pre-season to get to know my teammates and prepare for the season ahead. All my focus is now on working hard to become a valuable part of the team and helping get this club back to the top.”

Cunha racked up 15 goals in last season’s Premier League to help Wolves steer clear of relegation. They finished 16th, level on 42 points with United, who were a rung higher on goal difference.

He also helped Brazil qualify for the 2026 World Cup on June 10, setting up the only goal for Vinicius Jr in a decisive 1-0 win at home to Paraguay.

“Bringing in Matheus was one of our main priorities for this summer, so we are delighted to have completed his signing so early in the window,” said United’s director of football Jason Wilcox.

“He has proven his ability to succeed in the Premier League as one of the most exciting and productive forwards in England during his time at Wolves.

“He has all the qualities we are looking for as we seek to build a strong, dynamic and entertaining team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.”

He is Ruben Amorim’s first signing of the summer transfer window as the Portuguese coach sets about overhauling his squad after a miserable domestic campaign and a lacklustre Europa League final defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

Cunha’s move has resulted in a record sale for Wolves, eclipsing the £53 million they received from Manchester City for midfielder Matheus Nunes in 2023.

Meanwhile, Belgian playmaker Kevin de Bruyne has joined Serie A champions Napoli as a free agent on June 12, following the end of his glittering 10-year spell at City.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis, a film mogul, posted a picture of himself shaking hands with de Bruyne on social media, with the message, “Welcome Kevin!”

The Belgian has reportedly signed a two-year deal with an option for a third at Napoli, where he will link up with international teammate Romelu Lukaku and former United midfielder Scott McTominay.

De Bruyne lifted 19 trophies at City since his 2015 move from German side VfL Wolfsburg – a haul that includes six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. He has also been named the Premier League Player of the Season twice.

Regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, the 33-year-old’s contract at City expired at the end of the recently concluded season.

“Kevin is proud to be one of us!” Napoli posted on social media platform X.

The Belgium captain featured in 40 matches in all competitions for City in the last campaign, scoring six goals and providing eight assists and helping them qualify for next season’s Champions League, after being sidelined by a thigh injury in September.

Injuries had limited his appearances in the last two seasons.

De Bruyne made 422 appearances in all competitions for City, netting 108 times and registering 177 assists. He has the second-most assists in Premier League history with 119, behind Ryan Giggs (162).

Napoli won their second Serie A title in three years after a tight race with Inter Milan. REUTERS, AFP