Alious
Wolverhampton Wanderers have transformed their season, shifting from relegation contenders to establishing a comfortable buffer above the Premier League’s bottom three teams.
Their 2-1 triumph over Southampton on Saturday lifted them nine points clear of 18th-placed Ipswich Town.
Remarkably, Wolves achieved this victory without their star striker Matheus Cunha, who was sidelined for the second game of a suspension stemming from an altercation with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in an FA Cup match.
Initially, there was optimism among fans that Cunha’s ban would conclude after two games, allowing him to return for a critical clash against West Ham. However, that hope has been dashed with the latest disciplinary update.
Matheus Cunha Hit with Additional Suspension and Fine
This season has seen Cunha disciplined for violent conduct twice.
The first incident, against Ipswich Town in December, resulted in a one-match ban and an £80,000 fine, causing him to miss Wolves’ 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in January. For his latest outburst, the club had anticipated a three-match suspension, which would have seen him back in action for a pivotal encounter with Ipswich Town.
Unfortunately, the FA has extended his punishment by an additional match and imposed a £50,000 fine. As a result, Cunha will miss not only the upcoming home game against West Ham but also the away fixture at Portman Road against Ipswich.
Having represented Brazil during the recent international break, Cunha is now expected to return for Wolves’ home match against Tottenham in April—though his time at the club might be drawing to a close.
Cunha’s Potential Departure Looms
During the January transfer window, interest from several clubs had Wolves fans fearing a mid-season exit for their dynamic Brazilian forward.
Fortunately, Cunha signed a new contract that included a £62.5 million release clause, temporarily easing those concerns. However, with as many as six Premier League sides reportedly eyeing him, speculation is rife that Cunha is poised to depart Molineux in the summer.
His talent suggests he’s bound for a club competing in the Champions League, and Wolves seem unlikely to retain him under manager Gary O’Neil. Should he leave, the transfer fee would almost certainly smash the club’s record sale.
With only seven matches remaining in the season following his April return, Cunha’s stint with Wolves could be nearing a sudden and bittersweet conclusion.
Alious
