LONDON — Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha agreed a loan deal with rock-bottom English Premier League side Wolves, the Spanish club announced.
The 23-year-old Brazilian moved to Spain from Hertha Berlin in Germany in 2021 for a fee of 26 million euros but struggled to make any significant impact with the Madrid club.
He scored seven goals last season but hasn’t found the net in 17 appearances in the current campaign.
“From Atletico Madrid we wish Matheus Cunha the best of success,” said the Spanish club according to AFP.
Cunha will join Wolves from January 1 subject to work permit approval with a permanent deal – reportedly worth a club-record £43million (48.5 million euros) – an option.
“Matheus Cunha will become Julen Lopetegui’s first signing as Wolves head coach, joining on loan from 1st January, subject to work permit,” said a Wolves statement.
“The Brazilian international flew to the UK and completed his medical earlier in the week, finalising a loan move which will automatically become a permanent deal until 2027, should certain clauses be triggered.”
Cunha helped Brazil win gold at the Tokyo Olympics last summer and has since won eight senior caps, but missed out on the squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
Elsewhere, Thomas Frank is looking to create “more magic moments” as head coach of Brentford after signing a new long-term contract that will keep him at the Premier League club until 2027.
The 49-year-old Dane was appointed in 2018 and guided the club into the top flight for the first time in its history in 2020-21, ultimately finishing 13th in that campaign.
Frank’s side is 10th and will return to Premier League action against Tottenham on Boxing Day bolstered by a 2-1 win over reigning champions Manchester City before the World Cup break.
“Being a head coach at a club is like a relationship; there are highs and lows,” Frank said according to AP. “The warmth, support and kindness every time I meet a Bees fan has been amazing and it gives me extra energy to continue the work going forward.
“We attacked the Premier League in the first season and we’re attacking it in our second season. I’m looking forward to hopefully continuing our progress and creating more magic moments together.”
Director of football Phil Giles said: “I’m sure I speak for everyone at Brentford when I say that I am very pleased that we have agreed this new contract with Thomas. It is well deserved following some excellent results and performances in the last 18 months.“
