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Liverpool’s Strategic Transfer Decision: Why Cunha Was Never the Right Fit

Liverpool’s recent Premier League title under Arne Slot has understandably triggered a wave of excitement and speculation around the club’s summer transfer activity. With the window opening soon, the club’s calculated decision-making is already on full display.

One of the early headlines surrounds Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, who is expected to complete a move to Manchester United. It’s a transfer that could easily have seen him end up in Merseyside instead, if not for a conscious choice made by Liverpool’s recruitment team.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool were “certainly interested” in Cunha and had considered “entering the frame” for him, but ultimately “chose to step away”. The reason? A lack of certainty over how the Wolves star would fit into Slot’s setup.

Photo: IMAGO

Priorities Dictate Strategy

Liverpool’s hesitation wasn’t born out of a lack of quality in Cunha’s game. His 15 goals and 6 assists for Wolves last season speak for themselves. However, goals alone are not the yardstick for Slot’s high-octane, structured approach.

The Daily Mail revealed the Reds were “not 100 per cent convinced” about his role in the current team, especially given that they are “well stocked” in attacking areas. With the likes of Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and Luis Díaz all capable of operating across the front line, the club appears to be targeting more specific needs, likely in midfield or defence.

This pragmatic approach signals a matured transfer strategy. Rather than acquiring talent for the sake of it, Liverpool are prioritising cohesion, tactical fit, and squad balance.

Tactical Fit Under Arne Slot

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have shown they are evolving beyond a pure pressing machine into a side that places high demands on positional intelligence and combination play in tight areas. While Cunha has demonstrated flair and explosiveness at Wolves, questions over his suitability for Liverpool’s structured attacking transitions are valid.

Slot’s system asks more from forwards than just goals. It demands fluid movement, sharp link-up play, and high work rate off the ball. Cunha is undeniably talented, but Liverpool’s apparent concerns about where and how he’d fit into their patterns are understandable.

Photo: IMAGO

United’s Gain, But At What Risk?

Cunha’s move to Old Trafford could be a major talking point next season. If he thrives, it will raise questions about whether Liverpool were too cautious. However, the Merseyside club has shown before that strategic omissions can be as powerful as marquee signings.

Just because a player succeeds elsewhere doesn’t mean they would have had the same impact under a different system, manager, or set of expectations. Liverpool’s recent history of meticulous recruitment success – from Mohamed Salah to Diogo Jota – suggests their judgement has more hits than misses.

Forward Depth Not a Concern

Slot’s attacking resources heading into next season arguably represent one of the deepest and most versatile units in Europe. With no major departures expected in the front line, and potential academy talent continuing to emerge, it’s clear why Cunha was deemed non-essential.

And with the club likely to focus on areas such as central midfield, full-back cover, or perhaps another centre-half, fans can expect additions that complement the existing structure rather than disrupt it.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this is exactly the type of transfer policy we’ve grown to respect – and even expect. There was a time when we might have jumped at the chance to sign a player with 15 goals in a mid-table team, but we’ve evolved.

Cunha is a good player, maybe even a very good one, but this current Liverpool side isn’t lacking in forwards who can score or create. The issue is how well someone fits into Arne Slot’s tactical system and dressing room dynamic. As fans, we’re still getting to know Slot’s style, but judging by how quickly he’s adapted to the Premier League and delivered a title, there’s trust being built fast.

What’s more, we’ve seen it before – flashy names don’t always mean success. We dodged the Timo Werner bullet. We turned down Nabil Fekir. Sometimes, no deal is the best deal. We’d rather see smart investments, and Cunha – while no doubt a talented player – wasn’t a puzzle piece we needed.

Let United have him. We’ll focus on players who genuinely move us forward.