£63M release clause: Newcastle join race to sign 15-goal star who Shearer called “magnificent”

Fresh from ending their 70-year trophy drought, Newcastle United are preparing to make waves in the summer transfer market with Wolves’ in-form striker Matheus Cunha emerging as a prime target.

The Brazilian forward, who boasts a £63 million release clause at Molineux, has captured attention across the Premier League with his sensational performances this season – none more so than from Magpies legend Alan Shearer, who recently hailed the 25-year-old as “magnificent” on his Rest Is Football podcast.

Cunha’s potential arrival at St James’ Park could create one of the most formidable strike partnerships in English football, pairing his clinical finishing with Alexander Isak’s technical brilliance.

While the Swedish international has rightfully earned plaudits for his 19-goal Premier League campaign, the underlying statistics reveal Cunha has been even more efficient in front of goal.

The Wolves star has outperformed his expected goals (xG) by a remarkable +6.3 margin compared to Isak’s +3.4, demonstrating an almost preternatural ability to convert difficult chances.

Newcastle’s interest forms part of a broader recruitment strategy targeting players with proven Premier League pedigree.

Alongside Cunha, the Magpies continue monitoring Bournemouth’s defensive sensation Dean Huijsen, whose £50 million release clause has attracted interest from Real Madrid. This dual pursuit signals the club’s ambition to strengthen at both ends of the pitch while maintaining financial discipline through structured deals.

Shearer’s glowing endorsement carries particular weight on Tyneside, where the all-time Premier League goalscorer remains the gold standard for strikers. His analysis of Cunha’s “unbelievable” technical qualities – particularly highlighting a stunning curled finish against Fulham – aligns perfectly with Eddie Howe’s preference for forwards who combine physicality with creativity.

The Wolves attacker has contributed four assists alongside his 13 league goals this season, showcasing the versatility that makes him an ideal foil for Isak’s more direct style.

Wolves’ eight-point cushion above the relegation zone makes Cunha’s summer departure increasingly likely, with the player having already demonstrated his commitment by rejecting January moves to help secure the club’s Premier League status.

Newcastle’s newfound trophy-winning mentality and European ambitions could prove decisive in any transfer battle, though they may face competition from London clubs reportedly monitoring the situation.

The potential acquisition represents more than just another attacking option – it could redefine Newcastle’s tactical approach. Howe’s system thrives with mobile forwards capable of interchanging positions, and Cunha’s ability to operate across the front line would give the Magpies greater fluidity in attack.

His Premier League-proven quality also reduces the adaptation period typically required for overseas signings, making him a lower-risk proposition than alternatives from foreign leagues.

As Newcastle prepare for what promises to be their most ambitious transfer window under Saudi ownership, the pursuit of Cunha demonstrates their evolving recruitment strategy.

No longer content with unearthing hidden gems, the Magpies are now targeting established performers ready to take them to the next level. With Shearer’s seal of approval and statistics that surpass even Isak’s impressive output, Cunha represents the caliber of signing that could transform Newcastle from cup winners into consistent top-four challengers.

The coming months will reveal whether the club can convince Wolves to part with their star man, but one thing is certain – Newcastle’s ambition shows no signs of slowing after their Wembley triumph.

In Cunha, they’ve identified a player capable of turning occasional brilliance into week-in, week-out excellence, potentially forming a strike partnership that could terrorize Premier League defenses for years to come.