Leeds will ‘make an extra effort’ to sign Marcelo Bielsa target Matheus Cunha from Hertha Berlin in this summer’s transfer window, according...
Leeds will ‘make an extra effort’ to sign Marcelo Bielsa target Matheus Cunha from Hertha Berlin in this summer’s transfer window, according to Brazilian outlet UOL.
The lowdown
Former RB Leipzig forward Cunha has been directly involved in 23 goals in his 39 Hertha appearances (13 goals, 10 assists).
Last season, he netted seven times in 27 Bundesliga appearances for a side that only finished two points above the relegation zone.
He still has four years left on his contract in the German capital, having only arrived in 2020.
One of the Brazilian’s former coaches, Maurizio Jaccobacci, has described him as a ‘very fast’ and ‘unpredictable’ player – that unpredictability is evidenced by his stunning goal of the season winner in 2019, spinning past a defender before chipping the goalkeeper in unbelievably cool fashion (Youtube).
The latest
The report states that Leeds won’t give up on their pursuit of Cunha, a player ‘requested’ by Bielsa, despite the ‘high value’ demanded by Hertha.
They’re said to be looking for somewhere between €25million (£21.5million) and €30million (£25.8million) to part with him.
Such a deal could make Cunha the second-most expensive acquisition in Leeds history behind last summer’s £27million arrival Rodrigo.
The verdict
Cunha’s goal tally may not be particularly eye-catching, but clearly Bielsa and Leeds have identified him as a player with a considerably higher ceiling in a team that furnishes him with more opportunities – he managed to stand out in a Hertha team which struggled desperately.
He tended to operate from the left-hand side, but was also used as an attacking midfielder and a centre forward. That versatility makes him a great asset, who could perhaps play on the opposite flank to Raphinha or offer support and depth for his compatriot.
He’s still only 22 years old, and so his improvement might make the transfer fee look pretty modest a couple of years down the line.
In other news, Alex McLeish issues his one-word verdict on this Leeds man.
source https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-whites-determined-to-land-matheus-cunha/
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