Wolves will ‘definitely not’ sell star forward Matheus Cunha in January says head coach Gary O’Neil.
Cunha, 25, has been in inspirational form of late, scoring six goals in his last eight appearances as the Premier League strugglers have won their last two games.
The former Atletico Madrid man will undoubtedly attract attention but O’Neil has no concerns that he might be a target for clubs in January.
He said: “There is zero concern from my part. I want him to play as well as possible and I want everyone in the world to want him.
“My job is to help Matheus perform at the highest level possible, so no concerns at all.
“Our relationship and his understanding of what we’re trying to do here is exceptionally good, so I don’t foresee there being any problems at all in January with Matheus Cunha.
Cunha's start to the @premierleague season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rujMw2tklg
— Wolves (@Wolves) November 27, 2024
“Contract wise, I’ll leave that to the club. We have a real focus, Matheus included, on tomorrow’s game and making sure we’re in the best shape to beat Bournemouth.”
Asked if there was any situation where an answer to an enquiry for Cunha would be anything but ‘no’, O’Neil replied: “Matheus won’t leave in January, definitely not.”
Wolves face Bournemouth on Saturday. O’Neil’s side have won their last two Premier League games, as many as they had in their previous 22 combined (D5 L15).
Lemina at the back?
They have Pablo Sarabia, Craig Dawson and Santiago Bueno back from injury but midfielder Mario Lemina could start in defence after filling in well against Fulham.
“I think he can play there, it was a decent discovery for us, with the injury to Yerson Mosquera and some other factors that have led to us being a little bit short in that area,” O’Neil said.
“We all knew he could play there in a five definitely, but to be as good as he was in a centre-back partnership of just two was very impressive. Obviously you see these things in training, but in a Premier League game it’s very different.”
