Matheus Cunha signs long-term contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers
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Matheus Cunha is Wolverhampton Wanderers' top scorer this season with 11 Premier League goals.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WOLVERHAMPTON – Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha has signed a new 4½-year contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers, the English Premier League club said on Feb 1.
The announcement came after Cunha, the club’s top scorer this season with 11 Premier League goals, netted in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa to lift Wolves out of the relegation zone. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde scored the home side’s opener.
The BBC reported that Cunha celebrated by pointing to the Wolves crest on his shirt, then blew kisses to the crowd and appeared to mimic signing a contract, which he did hours later.
The 25-year-old had been linked in media reports to Arsenal, currently second in the standings, as well as Nottingham Forest and Chelsea.
“We can all see his quality on the pitch but, off it, he’s developed into a leader of the group, and we’re delighted that he’s signed a new contract,” said Wolves chairman Jeff Shi.
“It’s always important to us that we reward our strongest and most impactful players, and Matheus deserves this new deal.”
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira, who previously questioned Cunha’s body language, told Sky Sports: “I think he is committed with us. The last conversation that we had, he said ‘I will help the team to be in the Premier League next season’.”
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said after the defeat at Molineux that his club will be seeking reinforcements as they chase European success in the Champions League.
“We need some players. We need to replace some players who left. Tomorrow and Monday are the last two days (of the window). I think we’ll get some players to help us because we’re in the Champions League last 16,” said the Spaniard.
Villa are now without 21-year-old Colombian forward Jhon Duran, who signed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr on Jan 31 for an undisclosed fee that British media put at around €77 million (S$108.5 million) plus add-ons.
The Midlands club have also been linked to Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
“Tomorrow, Monday, we will see. We are working on different players. We will know on Monday how we have finished,” said Emery.
Aston Villa have been linked to out-of-favour Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
PHOTO: REUTERS
According to widespread reports, Rashford is close to joining Villa on loan ahead of the closure of the window on Feb 3.
The Athletic said the Birmingham side will contribute a minimum of three-quarters of his £325,000 (S$548,000) per week wages, which could rise to 90 per cent, depending on his performance.
The deal will also include a £40 million option to sign the 27-year-old Englishman permanently.
Rashford had been linked with AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, while his representatives are also believed to have held talks with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United during the January transfer window.
He has been looking to leave Old Trafford
Villa are also reportedly close to signing forward Marco Asensio on loan from French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
REUTERS, AFP
