Matheus Cunha reached a verbal agreement over a new contract with Wolves earlier this month. Liverpool are still a potential suitor for the talented forward, however, and could make a move this summer.
With 10 goals and four assists in 19 Premier League appearances this term, Cunha has been a standout on a struggling Wolves team, building on 19 goal involvements in 2023/24.
How Liverpool Can Get a Deal Done
Despite signing an extension at Molineux, Liverpool still have a great chance of signing Cunha in the future. After all, Arne Slot’s team are 2/9 to win the title according to the Premier League betting markets, and they have the shortest price to win the Champions League at 4/1.
The Brazilian would surely be interested in a move to Anfield this summer or next January, even if he would have more competition for minutes.
This Matheus Cunha touch on repeat pic.twitter.com/bhK8UuAG8A
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 29, 2024
Cunha’s deal also includes a £45 million relegation release clause. With Wolves among the favourites for the drop in the latest Premier League relegation odds, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that clause activated in a few months’ time.
Mohamed Salah is yet to sign a new contract at Anfield and continues to suggest this is his last season on Merseyside. Liverpool have rejected a £70 million bid from Al-Hilal for underperforming striker Darwin Núñez, while Barcelona are showing interest in Luis Díaz.
Filling a Need
Liverpool have scored the most goals in the Premier League. Their expected goals tally is far clear of any other club. On the surface, it might not seem like attacking recruitment is a necessity, but there are holes to fill in 2025/26 and beyond.
Salah, even if he stays, is well into his thirties. Diogo Jota and Díaz are 28. Núñez’s future is uncertain at best. Federico Chiesa didn’t score his first goal for the club until a drubbing of Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup.
Averaging 2.36 successful take-ons and 0.49 npxG plus xAG per 90 minutes over the last 365 days, Cunha could play as a nine, 10, or on either flank under Slot. His profile is similar to that of Roberto Firmino, who played such a key role alongside Sadio Mane and Salah under Jürgen Klopp.
The goal threat is clear, having reached double digits in consecutive Premier League seasons. Cunha is also an adept creator (95th percentile in progressive passes among forwards) and ball carrier (96th percentile in progressive carries among forwards).
Conclusion
Signing a player from a relegation-threatened team isn’t the most exciting option. Liverpool have a stellar track record of picking up impactful players from lower Premier League teams, though, including Mane, Andy Robertson, and Georginio Wijnaldum.
With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia heading to PSG and Jarrod Bowen recently turning 28, Cunha looks like a great medium-term option for Liverpool in the final third. A bigger name is likely if Salah leaves in the summer, but Cunha has all the attributes to play a key role whether Salah stays or goes.