(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media / Imago)

Ben Palmer

Thu 1 May 2025 19:30, UK

Newcastle’s hopes to sign Matheus Cunha could receive a boost with a potential “twist” still on the cards despite Man United’s efforts to bring him in.

The 25-year-old has arguably been the best player outside of the Premier League’s top six clubs this season.

The ex-Atletico Madrid star has registered 15 goals and six assists in a Wolves side that had won just six games coming into March.

Cunha’s exceptional form has led to interest from Man United in recent weeks, who are searching for alternatives up top as Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have struggled to score this season.

Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle also hold an interest in Cunha, but it seemed like the Red Devils had stolen a march in their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

However, there may yet be a change of direction for the forward, giving the Magpies a path back into doing a deal with Wolves for their star man, reports Mail Online.

Newcastle interested in signing Matheus Cunha

According to journalist Craig Hope, Cunha is being viewed differently from other targets highly-priced targets at St. James’ Park, such as Bryan Mbeumo, as the 25-year-old would be like “two signings for the price of one” due to his versatility and therefore worth splashing out on.

As things stand, United are believed to have blown the Magpies out of the water with a salary package “way beyond” what Newcastle can for the forward, giving them a clear edge on the deal.

However, if Amorim’s side fail to win the Europa League, miss out on Champions League qualification, and Newcastle do qualify for Europe’s premier competition, it is thought there may still be a “twist or two” to be had in the Cunha race.

Matheus Cunha would force Eddie Howe to adapt tactical set up

Football Insider Verdict

Although Alexander Isak has interest from Liverpool, it seems unlikely the striker will leave St James’ Park if the Magpies qualify for Champions League football this season.

Adding Cunha to a front-line with the Sweden international, Anthony Gordon, and the in-form Jacob Murphy will be a scary prospect for Premier League defenders.

However, the Brazilian’s addition to Newcastle‘s squad will require Eddie Howe to tinker with his favoured 4-3-3 system.

Cunha has rarely played as a conventional striker for Wolves this season, only appearing five times there, and instead has thrived in a duo behind Jorgen Strand Larsen.

But with the way that Howe likes to set up, the Brazilian would struggle to fit into the system, unless the English manager shoe-horned him in as a right winger.

Instead, the ex-Bournemouth boss may have to move away from his favoured tactical set-up, turning instead to a more classical 4-2-3-1 to get the best out of Cunha.