Wolves make Nunes feelings clear with blunt statement after Man City transfer
Wolverhampton Wanderers think they’ve bagged a significant profit on Mathues Nunes despite him failing to ever reach his potential with the club.
Manchester City confirmed the signing of the Portugal international on deadline day, signing in a deal worth £53 million. That marks a healthy increase on the £37m Wolves shelled out to sign him just 12 months ago.
In his one season at Molineux, the 25-year-old flattered to deceive, registering just one goal and one assist in 39 appearances in all competitions. Regardless, City were still willing to broker a deal for a player Pep Guardiola has admired from his days with Sporting.
Nunes went on strike to force the move in the final days of the window, with Wolves now able to reinvest into Gary O’Neil’s squad. And the club’s Sporting Director Matt Hobbs admitted that his departure was a ‘good resolution’ for Wanderers, who had previously been handcuffed by Financial Fair Play concerns.
Hobbs said: “I was disappointed with how it ended, it wasn’t necessary the stance Matheus took, but we ended with a good resolution for everyone. Matheus is a hugely talented player but would admit that last season he didn’t hit the heights he expected, but it was a tough season for the team, so maybe he wasn’t allowed to do that.
Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer“We’ve lost a player with a lot of potential, a lot of ability, but the situation has led to us bringing a greater number of players in to improve the squad and provide competition in the group. The players here want competition in training, so while we’ve lost a good player, it’s made us a more competitive and better squad overall.”
Speaking after signing his five-year deal at the Etihad, Nunes said: I’m so happy to be joining Manchester City, the Champions of Europe and a club I’ve admired for a long time.
“The opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola, one of the greatest managers ever, and alongside some of the best players in the world was something I simply couldn’t turn down.
“I learned so much during my season at Wolves and I’m excited to continue improving in the Premier League, a division which brings the best out of me. I’m really excited to get going, meet the fans and hopefully be a part of plenty more success at City.”
City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Matheus is a fine player. We are really happy he is here, and we know he will help us this season and beyond.
“He possesses real quality and will bring a fresh dynamic to this team. He is a player who can play passes that open defences, he can beat players and he is technically excellent. Everyone knows Pep improves players – we have seen it so often – and we cannot wait to see how Matheus develops under his management.”
Shortly before Nunes’ move was confirmed, Wolves announced Tommy Doyle had made the reverse move - moving to the Black Country on a season-long loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.