Matheus Cunha to Leeds United latest: Whites 'in the…

Matheus Cunha to Leeds United latest: Whites 'in the race' but Wolves push hard for early deal

Leeds United are reportedly in the running to sign Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha ahead of the January window. Cunha is set to be allowed to leave Atletico next month after struggling for game time this season with the likes of Alvaro Morata, Joao Felix, Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa ahead of him in the pecking order.

Leeds have been linked with a move for Cunha in the past, with reports of their interest in the Brazilian first going public in the summer of 2021. Of course, no move ended up materialising but with the Brazilian seemingly available for transfer again, Leeds may look to rekindle their interest.

A new forward looks set to be on Leeds' list of priorities in January amid the continuation of Patrick Bamford's struggles, with some proper competition required for Rodrigo Moreno. So, amid reports of interest in Cunha, here is a round-up of all the latest regarding a potential transfer.

Cunha profiled

Given his poor form in front of goal this season, it would be interesting to see Leeds opt to pursue Cunha, who has won eight caps for Brazil. However, it should be noted that Cunha is less of an out and out centre-forward and more of a wide-forward or second striker, where he has spent most of his playing time during his young career.

Cunha made the move to Europe to join FC Sion back in 2017 from Brazilian side Coritiba. After showing signs of promise in Switzerland, RB Leipzig came calling a year later, paying around £15m for the forward. However, his time at Leipzig lasted just a season and a half, with the forward then moving on in January 2020 to join Hertha Berlin.

And then a year later, Cunha made another move, signing for Atletico in August 2021, who he scored seven goals in all competitions for. During his time in Germany, Cunha was hardly prolific. He made 92 appearances between Leipzig and Hertha, scoring 22 goals.

However, his current manager Diego Simeone revealed in September just what Cunha brings to Atletico, which could be part of the reason for Leeds' interest in the Brazilian international. "Due to his characteristics, he is the ideal player for Atlético," Simeone told Spanish outlet AS in September.

"He competes with [Alvaro] Morata who is very good, with a goal and working hard for the team. Cunha is strong, we need him, he transmits energy, he has a goal, strength, he is not afraid, he goes to the clash and that is what we need."

Wolves want double deal

It is not just Cunha who Wolves are looking to sign from Atletico Madrid in January, but also defender Felipe. That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Premier League's bottom side are looking to agree a package deal to bring both players to Molineux.

Wolves talks 'ongoing'

Wolverhampton Wanderers are the club pushing hardest for Cunha with talks already ongoing with Atletico Madrid over a potential transfer. That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims personal terms will be the 'next step' to getting a deal done.

Romano also claimed in a separate tweet that Wolves are looking to act fast on the deal with other Premier League clubs also keen on Cunha. He did not name check any of those sides, but Leeds have been linked via separate sources.

Leeds 'in race'

Leeds United are reportedly in the race to sign Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. He claims that the Whites and Everton are currently behind Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, with the former pushing hard for his signature.

Leeds were previously interested in Cunha back in the summer of 2021 before the Brazilian made the move to Atletico, where he is already set to be allowed to leave. It appears as though Leeds will be in the market for a new striker in January as Patrick Bamford continues to struggle with injuries.

READ NEXT:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here