Why Matheus Cunha looks set to snub Newcastle for Man Utd - Craig Hope reveals latest

Whilst our main focus for the rest of this season is making sure we qualify for the Champions League next season, it looks like we’re working incredibly hard behind-the-scenes to bring new players in for what promises to be a busy 2025/26.

Even though we may be stepping back from Dean Huijsen and face fresh competition for Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha is a player still on our radar.

But according to the latest reports, there is a key factor that could impact our bid for the versatile Brazilian...

Money to win Cunha race?

According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle could be priced out of signing Matheus Cunha by Manchester United, despite being open to paying his £62.5m release clause.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hope has provided some insight on the financial freedoms of both teams in regards to buying the Brazilian.

“The latest information is that Manchester United is offering him £60, 70, 80 grand more than what could probably be on the table at Newcastle.”

“And if Manchester United then go get Champions League - it looks like they’re going to win the Europa League final against Spurs - that would then make that deal probably almost impossible to do from Newcastle’s perspective.”

Whilst there is no guarantee that Ruben Amorim’s side prevails in either their semi-final or the final, especially considering they’ve lost three times to Spurs already this season, few clubs in the world can offer the wages they can, which may be a big factor pulling Cunha to Old Trafford.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6qpRLYXDck&ab_channel=CraigHope

Why Newcastle would love Cunha

Despite being seemingly priced out of Cunha’s signature at the moment, Hope explains why Cunha is such an appealing signing for Newcastle United.

Of course the connection to Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton as Seleçao squad mates for the Brazilian National Team exists, but Cunha’s versatility is almost second-to-none in the Premier League.

“With Cunha, I think Newcastle were looking at that, it was a case of almost two signings in one given his versatility: Newcastle believe he can be a 7, a really vibrant 9, a proper back up to Alexander Isak, an 11, or coming back in midfield as an 8.”

Turning 26 later this month, Cunha will be eager for a return to Champions League football sooner rather than later in his career, which might make the final three matches of our season even more important if we want to beat Manchester United to a deal.