Cunha Transfer Deadline Nears As Gyokeres Addresses Future

Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham further proves that the club is in dire need of reinforcements.

The defeat to Spurs marks only the second time in 35 years that United have failed to qualify for European competition and officially confirms their worst season since relegation in 1974.

However, those in charge won’t have to wait much longer to get their business underway, with the summer transfer window set to open on June 1. And Ruben Amorim has already confirmed the club’s stance on the market.

“We have two plans even for the market,” Amorim confirmed. “We need to understand that is tough for a club like us not to be in the Champions League. But we have to use the other side. We have more time to work during the week on the Premier League and that will be our focus.”

Matheus Cunha ‘deadline set’

In the latest update on Matheus Cunha, United will trigger the £62.5million release clause for the Wolves star when the season ends this weekend, according to Sky Sports.

The club is reportedly aware of the conditions required to trigger the clause. However, there has been no ‘direct contact’ between the clubs so far, though those formalities are expected to happen once the season ends.

Other clubs are also interested in Cunha, but he is thought to prefer a move to United.

The Brazilian has an impressive tally of 17 Premier League goals from 35 appearances during the 2024/2025 campaign. Although a deal is yet to be agreed between parties, The Manchester Evening News understands that Cunha remains “optimistic” about a move to Old Trafford this summer.

MEN Sport says: This appears to be the only positive piece of transfer news at the moment. Missing out on Champions League football could have serious consequences for the club when it comes to attracting new players.

The Brazilian’s reported willingness to join the Reds despite the lack of European football is encouraging, and securing a player like Cunha would strengthen their squad for next season. However, it’s clear they’ll need more than just Cunha to significantly improve Ruben Amorim’s side.

Liam Delap ‘talks’

TalkSPORT have provided an update on Liam Delap, with Newcastle United said to hold talks with Ipswich Town’s in-demand striker ‘this week.’

In addition to United and Chelsea, Newcastle are thought to be one of the clubs who have shown interest in triggering the 22-year-old’s £30million release clause. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano says the striker is still ‘exploring his options’ after holding talks with Chelsea and United.

In his Caught Offside column, Romano wrote: “There is genuine interest from two very important clubs – Chelsea and Manchester United. Both clubs have several targets on their shortlists between them, but for sure the interest in Delap is concrete and genuine. My understanding is that Delap has spoken to Chelsea and to Manchester United, and now it’s time for him to explore all the options possible.

“From what I’m hearing there is also interest from clubs in the Bundesliga – important clubs from Germany would be ready to hold talks with the player and offer him an important contract. Still, the player’s priority is very clear – to stay in the Premier League, to stay in England.”

MEN Sport says: This could be a major blow for United, especially after missing out on Champions League football next season. Clubs like Chelsea and Newcastle are likely to be able to offer that to Delap, should he choose to join one of them. While United’s chiefs appear to have beaten off competition for Cunha’s signature, this deal is could be more complicated.

Viktor Gyokeres ‘blow’

Arsenal appear to be in pole position to secure Viktor Gyokeres‘ signature – especially after their defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League. The 1-0 loss meant that United missed out on a lucrative return to the Champions League next season.

To fund further spending, they’ll need to offload some high-profile players, with Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho potentially on their way out. Meanwhile, Gyökeres is eager to test himself at the highest level, aiming to compete in the Champions League and fight for major trophies next season.

Speaking on Portuguese television channel Sic Noticias, Gyokeres was asked what the future holds and said: “Hopefully you can expect I keep improving and score goals.”

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