Manchester United is poised to sign Brazilian international Matheus Cunha after activating the £62.5 million (A$130.9 million) buyout clause in his contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to reports from British media on Wednesday.
The club is taking decisive steps to revamp Ruben Amorim’s squad following their worst season in 51 years, finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham, which resulted in their failure to qualify for any European competition next season.
Reports indicate that United will pay the transfer fee in three instalments over the next two years after Wolves declined a proposal to extend the payment period to five years.
Cunha played a pivotal role in helping Wolves avoid relegation, scoring 17 goals and finishing just behind United on goal difference in the Premier League table. The 26-year-old has expressed a desire to leave Molineux, stating in March, “I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”
In addition to Cunha, United is reportedly willing to meet the £30 million (A$62.8 million) buyout clause for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who scored 12 Premier League goals last season but is expected to leave following Ipswich's relegation to the Championship. Delap is also attracting interest from Chelsea.
Amorim has cautioned that United’s ability to implement significant changes may be constrained by financial sustainability regulations. Chief executive Omar Berrada emphasized the need for prudence while remaining ambitious in the transfer market, stating, “We have a very clear idea of where we need to invest in the squad to improve.”
Despite acknowledging a “disaster” of a season, Amorim assured supporters that “good days” would return to Old Trafford. Berrada echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the future and the need for hard work as a club.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Chelsea is leading the race to sign Liam Delap, with the player reportedly favoring a move to Stamford Bridge due to the club's Champions League qualification. Delap has also engaged in discussions with Manchester United, Newcastle, and Everton.
If Delap's transfer to Chelsea materializes, it would reunite him with manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with him at Manchester City. Delap is currently preparing to join the England under-21 squad for a pre-tournament training camp ahead of the Euros.
In other transfer news, Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr has reportedly targeted Liverpool forward Luis Diaz as their top summer transfer priority. Liverpool is aware of Al Nassr's interest as Diaz seeks a new contract at Anfield.
Diaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 for £37.5 million (A$78.6 million), has been linked with LaLiga clubs Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. His potential move comes amid speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al Nassr.
Diaz was a key player for Liverpool during their title-winning campaign, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. Liverpool is preparing for a significant summer transfer window, having already secured Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
As Liverpool navigates the transfer market, the club has previously sold players to the Saudi Pro League, including Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. Mohamed Salah, another key player, recently confirmed his commitment to Liverpool for the next two years.
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