Leeds United reported transfer target Matheus Cunha to miss the start of the season
Reported Leeds United target Matheus Cunha is set to miss the start of the season, according to LeedsLive.
The Brazilian has been called up to be a part of his country’s squad for the Olympics, which are set to take place from July 23 to August 8th and with Brazil considered one of the favourites for the competition, Cunha is expected to be involved for most of it [Goal].
This means that he would almost certainly miss Leeds’ first game against Manchester United and probably more matches in August as well if the Whites were to sign him.
Will this put Leeds off?
According to UOL, Leeds are very keen on bringing Cunha to Elland Road this summer, and there has been talk of a bid from the Whites.
However, Marcelo Bielsa likes to have as many players as he possibly can signed before the season begins so that they can get up to the fitness levels that he requires [LeedsLive].
Therefore, the Olympics could actually turn out to be a significant hurdle in the Whites pursuit of the South American star.
However, there are exceptions to the rule as Raphinha joined Leeds after the 2020/21 season had started, and after being slowly introduced, he set the Premier League on fire.
So while it is possible that the Olympics could impact Cunha’s potential move to Leeds, you would think that if Bielsa wants him, he would be willing to overlook the Olympics and allow Cunha time to settle in should the Whites sign him.
Talk over Cunha seems to have dissipated recently in the last week, though that may be down to the impending transfer of Junior Firpo from Barcelona that has hogged most of the headlines.
We will have to wait and see how this one plays out, but Cunha’s Olympic dream may alter Bielsa’s thinking, temporarily at least.
In other Leeds news, the Whites are set to complete new signing this week.