Matheus Cunha replacement confirmed after big news out of Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers appear to be closing in on a new signing, with reports suggesting that personal terms have already been agreed with a player who is capable of filling the attacking midfield role. This move comes in the wake of Matheus Cunha’s high-profile transfer to Manchester United, which was confirmed on June 1. The Brazilian forward’s exit has left a significant void in Wolves’ offensive setup, especially considering his impact last season.
Cunha’s departure has not only created a technical gap in the team but has also sparked controversy off the pitch. The 26-year-old provoked backlash from Wolves fans after posting a message on social media that read, “It’s all about following your dreams,” accompanied by a picture of himself donning the iconic red jersey of Manchester United. While Cunha’s attitude has often drawn criticism for perceived arrogance or indifference, there’s no denying his talent. Last season, he was one of the Premier League’s standout performers, netting 17 goals across all competitions and contributing significantly to Wolves’ top-flight survival.
In response to this major loss, Wolves boss Vítor Pereira has been proactive in the market. He has identified the need for reinforcements in the creative midfield area, especially with pre-season preparations just around the corner. The manager and club are determined to rebuild the squad’s attacking momentum and are hopeful of finalizing a deal before the new campaign begins.
One name that has emerged as a top target is Spanish midfielder Fer Lopez. According to updates shared by sports journalist Liam Keen on X (formerly Twitter), Lopez is not seen as a like-for-like replacement for Cunha, but rather as part of a broader strategy to redistribute the creative burden among multiple players. This suggests that Wolves may not rely on a single player to replicate Cunha’s impact but will instead seek a more collective approach to creativity and goal-scoring.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has also weighed in on the situation, reporting that Lopez has reached a personal agreement with Wolves. Talks between the Premier League club and La Liga side Celta Vigo are ongoing, as both parties work toward finalizing a transfer fee. Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming days, with optimism on both sides that a deal can be struck.
Despite the positive movement, questions remain about whether Fer Lopez can fill the large shoes left behind by Cunha. Lopez’s statistics from last season do not compare favorably with the Brazilian’s. During his time at Celta Vigo, the 20-year-old made 17 appearances, scoring just two goals. FBref data shows that his expected goals (xG) for the season stood at only 2.7, while he managed 30 shot-creating actions.
In contrast, Matheus Cunha had a far more influential campaign. His xG reached 8.6 in the Premier League alone, and he registered a remarkable 132 shot-creating actions—demonstrating the extent of his involvement in Wolves’ attacking play and his overall importance to the team’s structure. These numbers highlight the considerable gulf in productivity and experience between the two players.
Still, Wolves are believed to be investing in potential rather than an instant solution. Lopez is highly rated for his technical skills and vision, and the club’s recruitment team appears confident that, under the guidance of Vítor Pereira, he could develop into a vital component of Wolves’ midfield over time. The Spaniard’s signing would signal a commitment to youth, development, and a more tactical, flexible approach moving forward.
While Fer Lopez may not be the sole answer to replacing Cunha’s output, his arrival—if finalized—could represent the beginning of a new phase for Wolves as they reshape their identity and squad under their new manager. With pre-season fast approaching, fans will be watching closely to see how the club builds around this potential signing and what other moves they make to bolster the squad for the 2025 season.