‘Nottingham Forest have big advantage over Newcastle’ in race to sign Matheus Cunha
Champions League football could sway Matheus Cunha towards a move to Nottingham Forest over the financial might of Newcastle United this summer.
Cunha looks certain to depart Wolves in the summer having almost single-handedly spearheaded their fight against Premier League relegation despite some highly controversial moments this season.
With a nine-point cushion to 17th-placed Ipswich and nine games of the campaign remaining, Wolves appear set to retain their top-flight status, but the same can’t be said for their hopes of keeping Cunha.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that amid significant interest from Forest, Cunha could be in line for a move to the City Ground after their impressive season at the other end of the table.
This comes after ex-Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Forest are “well-placed” to sign Brazil international Cunha, whose current contract at Wolves includes a £62.5million release clause.
Newcastle can’t yet offer what Forest can to Matheus Cunha
Newcastle sit sixth in the Premier League table heading into the home straight, seven points behind Forest with Champions League qualification firmly in the sights of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson argued that despite Newcastle being the Premier League’s richest club, it is Forest who hold the advantage to sign Cunha.
“He’s not an out out number nine, but he can play in those wide areas off the front – you bring in a quality player like Cunha, then that takes you to the next level”, he told Football Insider.
“[Newcastle] have looked for that right wing position for a long, long time. Cunha is somebody who can do that – there’s one team that’s going offer them Champions League football next season, so it’s a big decision.
“You look at the two clubs and where they’re at at moment; Newcastle obviously winning the Carabao Cup – they’re getting to where they want to be. Financially they’re the superpower, bigger than any other club.
“But actually, Nottingham Forest can offer something that not lot of other clubs can next year: Champions League football, so he’s got a decision to make.
“Forest have had a good season this year. Nobody expects them to be in the Champions League places. And for him now to have an opportunity to go there and play Champions League – is that going to be it, a one-stop shop for Forest?
“Is that the only time they’re going to be in the Champions League or are they going to progress and are they going to develop? And that’s the thing that he’s got to take into consideration.
“Newcastle, the ownership, the way that the club’s run – they’re here for the long term, they’re going in the right direction for a long time. Forest; is it one good season or is there going to be sustainability?”
Newcastle must make EFL Cup win count this summer
It’s hardly to see why sides like Newcastle, Forest and Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a summer move for Cunha, with 13 goals and four assists making him one of the Premier League’s most productive players.
The Magpies are set for a seismic summer as they look to build on their first major trophy lift in 70 years, with a centre-back, goalkeeper and right winger – sich as Cunha – all on the wishlist for Eddie Howe.
Shopping in the Premier League market, as they’re planning to do for Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, will only drive prices upwards, but with Cunha’s exit fee from Wolves set at £62.5million, Newcastle will hope they can join Forest in the Champions League to give them the best chance of signing him.