The reason why Wolves decided on £62.5m release clause fee in Matheus Cunha’s contract
Wolves are set to part ways with Matheus Cunha in the summer transfer window amid building interest.
It’s understood that Nottingham Forest are eager to sign Cunha, who is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs.
Interest in the Brazilian has been building since the January transfer window, where rumours were flying about the forward’s future at Wolves.
To shut down speculation, Wolves tied Cunha down to a new contract; however, the deal did the opposite to symbolising the 25-year-old’s commitment to the club.
How Wolves came to agreeing to Matheus Cunha’s release clause
Within the contract, Wolves protected Cunha with a £62.5m release clause, a fee that many believe to be too low.
While it was a relief to put January transfer rumours to bed, the nature of the contract was not a show of commitment, but rather a ploy to keep the player focused.
That’s the understanding of The Athletic, who noted that the release clause was inserted to ‘protect’ Cunha’s value and, to ensure ‘he was focused’ amid speculation.
Wolves were concerned that talk of the Brazil international’s future at the time was at risk of ‘threatening to overshadow’ the remainder of the campaign, leading to a new contract being agreed with a release clause inserted.
The decision had to be made hastily at the time, particularly as Cunha’s agent was eager to exploit the gap in the market for his client, but it was a call that satisfied all parties.
The Athletic added that Wolves were happy to include the release clause due to a mutual feeling that the ‘time is right’ for the forward to move on.
Cunha’s release clause decision should be a major red flag
Though the situation was pressured at the time, Wolves found a way to make things work, but what did the scenario do for Cunha himself?
There are already reservations about Cunha from interested clubs due to the player’s poor disciplinary record this season, collecting two FA bans for petulant behaviour.
Additionally, the reason for the release cause being inserted and the contract being signed is a red flag in itself, as Wolves were wary of how their star player’s focus levels could stray.
What the future holds for Cunha remains to be seen, but what is certain is that he will move on from Molineux in the summer.
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