Liverpool Backed Away from Matheus Cunha Deal

Reds Considered Wolves Forward Before Brazilian Reached Agreement to Join Man Utd

In the ever-turning carousel of Premier League transfers, timing, vision, and sometimes a bit of patience can make all the difference. For Liverpool, their decision to step away from a potential move for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha might prove to be either a shrewd piece of business or a missed opportunity — time will tell. What’s certain, though, is that the Brazilian is now on the brink of a blockbuster move to Liverpool’s old rivals: Manchester United.

What Happened With Matheus Cunha?

Matheus Cunha has steadily built a reputation in English football since arriving at Wolves from Atletico Madrid in 2022. Known for his versatility, technical finesse, and relentless work rate, the Brazilian attacker racked up 31 goals over two seasons in all competitions — a remarkable return, especially for a Wolves side not exactly known for free-scoring football.

His standout performance at Anfield back in February — when Wolves narrowly lost 2-1 to the Reds — didn’t go unnoticed by Liverpool’s technical staff. According to reports from the Daily Mail, manager Arne Slot and his recruitment team were particularly impressed by Matheus Cunha’s direct play, his ability to press from the front, and how he carried Wolves on his shoulders throughout the campaign.

For a while, Matheus Cunha became more than just a name on the radar. Discussions were had. Internal reports were drafted. But just as quickly as the interest peaked, Liverpool chose to pivot — and Matheus Cunha, as things stand, is on the verge of putting pen to paper for Manchester United.

Why Liverpool Walked Away

Liverpool reportedly considered pursuing Matheus Cunha but ultimately stepped aside, allowing Manchester United a clear path to sign the Wolves star.

Liverpool’s decision not to proceed with the Matheus Cunha deal appears to be a mixture of tactical fit and squad balance. Sources suggest that while Matheus Cunha was rated highly, the club’s hierarchy believed their forward line was already sufficiently stacked, especially in central and wide attacking positions.

Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz, and Cody Gakpo offer plenty of flexibility and firepower, while Mohamed Salah remains the undisputed leader of the frontline. The incoming Slot regime — with its emphasis on high pressing, fluid movement, and technical build-up — might not have seen Matheus Cunha as a priority given the squad’s current makeup.

Instead, Liverpool have shifted their primary focus to Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who, fresh off an unforgettable Bundesliga title-winning season under Xabi Alonso, is believed to be keen on a new challenge.

Florian Wirtz Now Liverpool’s Top Target

While Matheus Cunha may be United-bound, Liverpool are actively negotiating with Bayer Leverkusen for 22-year-old playmaker Florian Wirtz. The German international has been one of Europe’s brightest talents over the last two seasons, with his combination of vision, creativity, and goal-scoring ability drawing comparisons to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and even a young Mesut Özil.

What makes Wirtz particularly appealing to Liverpool’s new setup under Slot is his tactical intelligence. He can operate as a No.10, a deeper-lying No.8, or even on the flanks in an inverted role — precisely the kind of fluid, interchangeable piece that modern attacking systems demand.

Negotiations are reportedly progressing well, with both parties hopeful of sealing the deal before the European Championships kick off. If that happens, it would allow Wirtz to arrive in pre-season fully integrated, a key advantage for a club aiming to hit the ground running in 2025-26.

Man Utd Move Fast on Matheus Cunha

While Liverpool’s interest cooled, Manchester United moved decisively. Erik ten Hag, or whoever ends up steering the Red Devils this summer amid ongoing boardroom speculation, has apparently convinced the club’s hierarchy that Matheus Cunha is the ideal forward to complement their attack.

United have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Matheus Cunha on a five-year contract. He’s expected to earn a significant salary boost from his current Wolves deal. However, the negotiations with Wolves are still ongoing, as United are reluctant to pay the full £62.5 million release clause upfront.

Instead, United are working on a structured payment plan — possibly including performance-based add-ons — to complete the deal without running afoul of Financial Fair Play regulations.

For United, Matheus Cunha offers something different from Rasmus Højlund. He’s more mobile, links play better, and offers a more experienced, rounded profile — something that could balance their attack more effectively and relieve some of the creative burden off Bruno Fernandes.

Did Liverpool Miss Out?

Florian Wirtz

In football, it’s often said that the best deals are the ones you don’t do. That may prove true for Liverpool if Wirtz arrives and flourishes, or if Matheus Cunha struggles to adapt to United’s system or fails to deliver in the spotlight of Old Trafford.

But there’s also the chance that Liverpool have let a dynamic, Premier League-proven attacker slip through their fingers — one who could come back to haunt them in derby battles or title races.

The comparisons are inevitable: if Matheus Cunha hits the ground running in red — but not Liverpool red — there will be questions asked.

The Bigger Picture

This summer marks the start of a new era at Anfield. With Jurgen Klopp gone, Arne Slot has been entrusted to build on the solid foundations while evolving the team’s style. That includes a revamp in recruitment philosophy. Whereas Klopp often trusted long-term development and character profiles, Slot is expected to lean heavily on technical versatility and immediate tactical fit.

By backing away from Matheus Cunha and leaning toward Wirtz, Liverpool may be signaling a broader shift in focus: from reactive signings to proactive, system-first planning. Only time will reveal whether that approach pays off.

For United, the Matheus Cunha signing — if finalized — represents an aggressive statement of intent in what is shaping up to be another critical summer of rebuilding.

What’s Next for Matheus Cunha and Liverpool?

Cunha is expected to finalize his transfer to Manchester United in the coming weeks, pending agreement on financial terms with Wolves. Once complete, he’ll likely join up with United for pre-season in July.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are hoping to wrap up their move for Wirtz quickly, and are also exploring several midfield and defensive options. A number of fringe players are expected to depart — including possible moves for Kostas Tsimikas, Nat Phillips, and even Thiago Alcantara, whose contract is up.

Final Thoughts

The Premier League never sleeps — and neither do its transfer storylines. For Liverpool and Matheus Cunha, it’s a case of mutual admiration that just didn’t blossom into a full relationship. But for Manchester United, this could be a golden opportunity to inject firepower and flair into their attack.

Whether Liverpool’s decision to back away will be hailed as wisdom or regretted as a missed chance — well, we’ll find out the next time these two sides meet on the pitch.

Until then, all eyes turn to Wirtz, Matheus Cunha, and the next big twist in this summer’s transfer saga.