Saitama, Japan, July 28th 2021: Matheus Cunha 9 Brazil celebrates scoring his goal during the Mens Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 match between Saudi Arabia vs Brazil at Saitama Stadium, Saitama, Japan Saudi Arabia v Brazil - Saitama Stadium PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRA
Leeds United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Hertha Berlin star Matheus Cunha, with the Bundesliga club open to selling the Brazilian forward to raise funds this summer.
According to Yorkshire Post, Hertha Berlin are keen on signing Lyon winger Maxwel Cornet but will first have to offload Cunha.
Cunha has caught the attention of several top European clubs following his displays in the Bundesliga the past season. The 22-year-old Brazilian joined Hertha from RB Leipzig in January last year and impressed despite the club’s prolonged battle with relegation.
The attacker ended the season with 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for Pal Dardai’s side. He was rewarded with a call-up to Brazil’s Olympic squad and he’s been instrumental in their run to the final.
Overall, he’s scored 32 goals and provided 21 assists in 124 senior appearances. The former Sion attacker has four years left on his current contract is reportedly available for around £25 million.
Marcelo Bielsa is looking to bolster his attack ahead of the new season and Cunha could be a smart addition. The 22-year-old was one of Hertha’s best players in a dismal campaign in which they flirted with relegation and eventually finished 14th.
Cunha will add flair, dynamism and creativity to the Leeds attack. The Brazilian has tremendous technical and dribbling ability and can beat defenders with his speed and skill. He also likes to drop into midfield and contribute to the build-up play. Last season, he averaged 3 dribbles, 2.6 shots and 1.8 key passes per game.
The Brazilian has an eye for goal and is a decent finisher in one-on-one situations. Cunha is versatile and could challenge the likes of Jack Harrison and Raphinha for a starting spot on the flanks. He could also be deployed as a No. 10 behind Patrick Bamford or in place of the Englishman up front. His skillset means Bielsa could use him in various ways.
Defensively, he likes to press high up the pitch. He averaged 1.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game last season.
Moreover, he’s only 22 and working under a top-quality manager like Bielsa will take his game to the next level. His arrival would undoubtedly add quality to Leeds’ frontline and potentially boost their push for a European spot.
Stats via Whoscored
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