Two things still need to happen before Manchester United officially sign Matheus Cunha
Man Utd have agreed their first signing of the summer transfer window but he won't join them just yet.
Manchester United lifted the spirits of supporters when they announced an agreement had been reached for the proposed transfer of Matheus Cunha. The 26-year-old was identified as a top target by Ruben Amorim for the summer window as he looked to overhaul the attacking options at his disposal.
Cunha will primarily feature as one of the two attacking midfielders for United next season, though there is a belief he can play in a deeper midfield role if required as well. After 17 goals and six assists across all competitions this past campaign, he is viewed as a player with star quality and the ability to get even better. He is also driven by the challenge of bringing success back to Old Trafford and was not put off by their failure to secure Champions League qualification.
United believe the £62.5 million release clause is a fair price for a star attacking player who is already proven in the Premier League. Amorim wants to improve the overall fitness and athleticism of his first-team squad and is eager to sign those who have previously shone in the English top-flight.
Two things left to do
Manchester United confirmed on Sunday afternoon they had reached an agreement to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, but there is still a wait before the transfer is officially completed.
Manchester World revealed last week, United initially proposed a payment package that would see them pay the £62.5 million release clause over the next three summers, in three equal payments of roughly £20.83 million. United initially wanted to pay it in five instalments valued at £12.5 million over the course of five years, a proposal that was rejected by Wolves, who wanted higher payments over a shorter period of time.
Cunha has agreed to a five-year contract, with the option of another year, but the move is still subject to visa approval and formal registration. Those two things will be resolved when the player returns from international duty with Brazil, who face Ecuador and Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers over the coming week, with their second match due to finish at roughly 4am BST on Wednesday 11 June.
The first stage of the summer transfer window closes on 10 June, but reopens again on 16 June, when the deal for Cunha could be formally announced. It was also important to note no imagery or interview accompanied the initial transfer agreement and will only be released once the deal has been officially signed off.