Liverpool reportedly considered pursuing Matheus Cunha but ultimately stepped aside, allowing Manchester United a clear path to sign the Wolves star.
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Cunha set to join Man Utd this summerLiverpool considered making a move for forwardPulled out of deal as they prioritised Wirtz's signingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Since joining Wolves from Atletico Madrid in 2022, Cunha has become one of the club’s standout players, netting 31 goals over the last two seasons. As such, the 26-year-old drew interest from Arsenal and Chelsea during the January transfer window and several Premier League giants over a summer move. He now appears to be on the verge of joining Manchester United, having reportedly given a verbal agreement, with the Red Devils preparing to activate his £62.5 million ($84m) release clause.
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The Daily Mail has reported that Liverpool were very interested in signing Cunha this summer after Arne Slot and his backroom staff were impressed by the Brazilian forward's performance in Wolves' 2-1 loss to the Reds at Anfield in February. However, the Premier League champions decided to step away from the deal as the club staff believed they were already stocked in the position and instead decided to prioritise the signing of Florian Wirtz.
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Liverpool are nearing a deal for Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen as the Germany international decided to leave Die Werkself in search of a new challenge. The Reds are hopeful that a move for the 22-year-old will be sorted in the next couple of weeks, before they shift their focus towards clearing out the squad to prepare for next season.
WHAT NEXT FOR CUNHA?
The Brazilian has already verbally agreed to a five-year contract with Manchester United, as per numerous reports. However, the Red Devils are yet to work out a deal with Wolves as the 20-time Premier League champions are not keen on paying all of Cunha's release clause in one go. The two sides are said to be working on a payment plan for the 26-year-old's transfer.