Internacional seal move for Matheus Cunha, Flamengo academy keeper | OneFootball

Flamengo signed the goalkeeper while he was still in São Paulo’s youth academy

Cruzeiro agreed to loan goalkeeper Matheus Cunha to Internacional until the middle of next year. As a result, the player developed by Flamengo is expected in Porto Alegre in the coming days for medical exams and the official signing of the contract.

Therefore, the former Flamengo player will compete with Sergio Rochet for the starting spot in Internacional’s goal. The Uruguayan, however, played in the World Cup and is dealing with physical issues. As such, Matheus Cunha could get more opportunities.

Wasn’t Matheus Cunha getting opportunities at Cruzeiro?

Cássio’s ligament injury opened the door for the Ninho do Urubu graduate to start in goal for Cruzeiro. But after a string of mistakes, the keeper lost his place to Otávio, who did not leave any openings.

So, the 25-year-old conceded 11 goals and made 13 saves in nine appearances for the Minas Gerais side. Thus, Matheus Cunha is expected to stay at Internacional until mid-2027, though he remains under contract with Cruzeiro until 2028.

How did Matheus Cunha do at Flamengo?

Mais Querido bought the goalkeeper from São Paulo’s youth setup. The player then began his path with Flamengo’s under-20 team. From 2022 onward, the keeper started being regularly included in Mengão’s first team.

It was only in 2023, however, that Matheus gained greater prominence. That was because Santos was going through a poor spell and Rossi had not yet arrived. So Jorge Sampaoli had little choice but to give the youngster the starting role, and at first he delivered good performances.

However, the goalkeeper then started making mistakes, especially in that year’s Libertadores. Matheus Cunha was remembered by some fans for the three headed goals in Flamengo’s elimination against Olimpia (PAR).

What were Matheus Cunha’s numbers at Flamengo?

In the senior squad of Mais Querido, the player conceded 40 goals in 55 matches, keeping 29 clean sheets. His low-level performances made Matheus Cunha a backup over the last two years wearing the Sacred Jersey, which led to his contract not being renewed.

What is the author’s opinion on Matheus Cunha?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.