Wolves’ decision to secure Matheus Cunha to a new contract in January initially seemed like a major win for the club. Given his importance to the team and the growing interest from other clubs, ensuring he stayed for the remainder of the season was crucial. However, upon closer examination, the details of his contract reveal a deal that may not fully benefit Wolves in the long run, particularly when considering his potential departure in the summer.

A Release Clause Below Market Value?

One of the most striking aspects of Cunha’s new contract is the inclusion of a £62.5m release clause. While that figure represents a record fee for Wolves should he be sold, it is arguably below his true market value. Given the ever-increasing transfer fees in European football, particularly for attacking players in their prime years, many would argue that Wolves could have demanded closer to £70m-£80m if there was no release clause in place.

Cunha has been instrumental to Wolves this season, directly contributing to 45.7% of their Premier League goals. That level of influence is not easy to replace, and when clubs see a player with that kind of impact, their market value tends to soar. For context, similar players in the Premier League—those who are key contributors to mid-table sides—often command higher fees when sold. If Wolves had left the door open for a bidding war in the summer, they might have been able to extract a significantly larger fee from interested clubs.

Instead, the presence of the £62.5m clause essentially caps his market value, allowing clubs to secure him for a pre-determined price rather than forcing them into competitive negotiations. This is particularly frustrating given that Wolves did not include any add-ons or performance-based clauses that could increase the overall deal.

Payment Structure a Concern

Another concern surrounding Cunha’s deal is the way the money will be received. While £62.5m is a significant amount, Wolves will not be receiving it all upfront. The deal includes structured payments over time, which means that Wolves will not have immediate access to the full transfer fee when they inevitably need to reinvest in a replacement.

Structured payments are a common practice in modern football, as clubs often prefer to spread transfer fees across multiple years to manage their finances and comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). However, this arrangement is not ideal for Wolves, particularly given the timing of Cunha’s expected departure. If he does leave in the summer, Wolves will need to move quickly to secure a high-quality replacement. Without an immediate cash injection, their ability to compete in the transfer market could be limited, potentially forcing them to look at cheaper or less proven options rather than going for a marquee signing.

Was the Deal Rushed?

There’s a strong argument that the contract extension and release clause agreement were rushed. Wolves were under significant pressure in January due to growing interest in Cunha, and they likely felt they needed to secure his future at all costs—at least until the end of the season. However, in doing so, they may have inadvertently set the stage for a scenario where they lose their best player for a fee lower than what they could have negotiated in an open market.

Cunha’s agent also played a role in this situation, as agents often seek to secure the best possible deals for their clients by ensuring they have exit options. The inclusion of a release clause benefits the player because it makes it easier for clubs to activate a transfer rather than having to enter drawn-out negotiations with Wolves. In this case, Wolves might have been backed into a corner, prioritizing short-term security over long-term financial gain.

What Happens Next?

With Cunha’s future at Wolves looking increasingly uncertain, the club now faces a major dilemma: How do they replace him effectively? Losing a player who has been involved in nearly half of the team’s goals is a massive blow, and if they don’t act decisively in the summer transfer window, Wolves could find themselves significantly weaker next season.

The timing of his departure is also important. If a club triggers his release clause early in the summer, Wolves will have more time to identify and sign a replacement. However, if the deal drags on, they could be left scrambling for options late in the window, potentially overpaying for a new forward or settling for a less effective player.

Wolves’ recruitment strategy in the coming months will be crucial. If they fail to properly reinvest the money from Cunha’s sale, they risk stagnating—or even regressing—next season. On the other hand, if they can find a quality replacement who can contribute at a similar level, they could turn this situation into an opportunity for growth.

Final Thoughts

While Wolves have guaranteed themselves a record transfer fee, the details of Cunha’s contract extension and release clause reveal a deal that is far from perfect. The fixed £62.5m valuation may not fully reflect his worth, and the structured payment terms limit the club’s ability to immediately reinvest in the squad.

Given his importance to the team, losing Cunha in the summer will be a huge challenge. Wolves must now ensure they have a strong succession plan in place to avoid a major drop in performance next season. If they fail to do so, this deal could end up looking like a missed opportunity rather than a smart piece of business.