Nottingham Forest is expected to face an uphill battle in their quest to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha this summer, with strong competition coming from multiple high-profile clubs, particularly from Newcastle United. The Brazilian forward has been one of Forest’s dream targets, with the club’s management determined to bring in a player of Cunha’s caliber to boost their attacking options. However, several challenges make the pursuit of Cunha a complex and highly competitive affair, one that could test the club’s financial capabilities and their ambition to break into the upper echelons of the Premier League.
The first major hurdle is Cunha’s stated preference to join one of the Premier League’s “big 6” clubs. This preference, along with his £62.5 million release clause, immediately narrows the field of potential suitors. Although Forest has shown significant interest in the Brazilian, the club is not yet considered one of the Premier League’s giants. This is not to say that Forest does not have ambition; their ownership, under Evangelos Marinakis, has spent heavily in recent transfer windows to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. However, the financial gap between Forest and the so-called “big 6” is considerable, and this will undoubtedly play a role in Cunha’s final decision. Even with Nuno Espirito Santo at the helm and Forest continuing to push for European football, it seems Cunha is leaning towards a move to a club with more established Champions League pedigree, making his decision increasingly difficult for Forest to influence.
Despite these obstacles, Forest will undoubtedly press ahead with their pursuit of Cunha. The club’s desire to land a player of his quality is evident, and they will likely see this as an opportunity to further elevate their status in the Premier League. Cunha is a versatile and dynamic forward, known for his ability to play as a winger, a central striker, or even in a more advanced midfield role. His versatility is a key attraction, as it offers tactical flexibility, and he could fit seamlessly into a variety of attacking setups. This makes him an ideal target for Forest, who are looking to improve their offensive output and bring in players who can make an immediate impact.
However, Forest’s pursuit of Cunha will face serious competition, with one of their most formidable rivals being Newcastle United. According to reports, Eddie Howe’s side is preparing to make Cunha one of their top transfer targets for the summer. Newcastle, who have been one of the Premier League’s most impressive sides since their takeover, will likely be able to offer Cunha the chance to compete in the Champions League next season, provided they maintain their top-four position in the Premier League. This could give them a significant edge in the race for the Brazilian, who is known to prioritize playing at the highest level of European competition.
What makes Newcastle particularly attractive to Cunha is the presence of fellow Brazilians Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. The friendship and understanding between Cunha and his compatriots could be crucial in his decision-making process, especially as he looks to integrate quickly into a new team and environment. Eddie Howe’s style of play, which emphasizes fluid attacking football, could also be appealing to Cunha, who would be able to showcase his full range of talents in a system that encourages creativity and attacking freedom. The possibility of playing alongside a strong Brazilian contingent in Guimaraes and Joelinton would likely make Newcastle a very attractive option for Cunha, giving them a real edge over Forest in the transfer battle.
Newcastle’s interest is not solely focused on Cunha’s technical abilities, but also on his versatility. The Brazilian has shown he can excel in a variety of attacking positions, which fits well with Howe’s tactical flexibility. The idea of Cunha being able to play as a central striker, a winger, or even as a No. 8 in a midfield trio makes him a highly versatile asset, and Newcastle’s coaching staff would likely be keen to exploit his adaptability. This ability to fill multiple roles could make him a key player in the long-term plans of Howe’s team, further increasing Newcastle’s determination to secure his signature. Given the club’s status as a Champions League contender and their ambition to build a squad capable of challenging for titles, Newcastle will be a major player in the race for Cunha.
For Forest, the battle to secure Cunha is not just about competing financially with Newcastle, but also about trying to offer the player a pathway to success in European competition. While the club may not yet be at the level of the Premier League’s elite, their ambition to qualify for European football could be a selling point for Cunha. A potential move to Forest would allow him to play a starring role in a team that is on the rise, potentially giving him the platform to showcase his talents and lead the club to new heights. If Forest can secure a top-half finish in the Premier League, or even push for a European spot, this could significantly enhance their chances of landing Cunha, despite the competition from more established clubs.
Despite the challenges they face, Forest will not be deterred in their pursuit of the Brazilian. They have alternatives lined up should they miss out on Cunha, but the club’s management is well aware that landing a player of his quality would be a huge coup for their transfer strategy. Forest is keen to build a squad that can compete on multiple fronts, and signing a forward of Cunha’s caliber would be a significant step in the right direction. However, given the stiff competition they face, they may need to rethink their approach if they cannot meet Cunha’s demands or if Newcastle proves to be too strong of an adversary.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s focus on Cunha could have unintended consequences for Forest in relation to their own star player, Anthony Elanga. Earlier reports had suggested that Newcastle had shown interest in Elanga, with a late push for the Swedish winger in the 2024 summer window. While that move ultimately didn’t come to fruition, Newcastle’s interest in Elanga hasn’t completely disappeared, and Forest will be relieved to know that a potential deal for the winger seems unlikely if Newcastle goes all-in for Cunha. Elanga has been a key figure at the City Ground since his arrival, and his performances have made him one of Forest’s most important players. If Newcastle’s focus shifts entirely to Cunha, this could provide Forest with the breathing room they need to retain Elanga and avoid the risk of losing one of their most promising attacking talents.
In the event that Newcastle prioritizes Cunha over Elanga, Forest will likely see this as a positive development, as they will be able to keep their star winger and continue building around him. Elanga’s future would be secure at Forest, and he could continue to play a central role in their attacking setup, helping to provide the service to whichever striker eventually fills the void left by any potential departure. However, should Cunha choose Newcastle or another “big 6” club, Forest may need to pivot quickly and focus on other striking targets, with the hope that they can still improve their squad and challenge for European football.
In conclusion, Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha this summer will be a highly competitive and challenging process, with significant competition from clubs like Newcastle United. Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause, combined with his preference for a move to one of the Premier League’s top clubs, creates a difficult scenario for Forest to navigate. However, the club’s ambition to strengthen their squad and secure a place in European competition could still make them an appealing destination for the Brazilian. If Newcastle’s focus shifts to Cunha, it could help secure Elanga’s future at Forest, offering the club some stability in their attacking setup. Nonetheless, Forest will need to adapt quickly to the transfer market’s dynamics, as they face an uphill battle in attracting top-tier talent in an increasingly competitive Premier League landscape.