‘I wanted to move to a big club’ – Midfielder opens up on successful Manchester City transfer

Matheus Nunes has discussed his eventually successful move to Manchester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, admitting he knew it was ‘the right move’.

Etihad Stadium bosses were coming to terms with a long-term injury sustained by Kevin De Bruyne during the opening game of the ongoing Premier League season, ruling the Belgian out until early 2024.

While a number of candidates were identified by Manchester City transfer bosses, the club’s shortlist was eventually cut down to one main target after the withdrawal from the race to sign Lucas Paqueta due to an investigation from the FA into betting allegations.

Nunes’ potential availability at the right price saw Manchester City approach Wolves for the Portugal international, with the player in turn showing a clear desire to make the switch to Pep Guardiola’s side.

Speaking to BBC Sport in recent days, Matheus Nunes has highlighted his firm desire to move to the Etihad Stadium when interest first arose towards the end of the last summer transfer window.

“I knew it was the right move, it was the move that I wanted,” Nunes admitted. “Because when I was in Sporting, already I wanted to move to a big club. And I moved to Wolves, and Wolves is a very good team as well, but I mean fighting for titles is what is most important to me.”

But life at Manchester City is more challenging than it was at Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Nunes less guaranteed a starting position every week, and instead challenging City’s talents on a game-by-game basis.

“It’s different, it’s a matter of getting used to it when it happens because it is actually a new thing for me because I’ve always played in every club I was, all the games,” Nunes explained.

“And here sometimes you play one game, and then you go to the bench for two, and then you play two, and then you go to the bench for one, so you just have to wait for your chances and try to take them. Everyone’s goal is the same.

“Of course, we want to play always but we want to be Champions in the end of the season, so that’s what matters.”

Nunes is likely to play a significant role for Manchester City during the business end of the season, with Pep Guardiola needing to place an extra focus on rest and rotation amid a crucial run of fixtures across late March and April in particular.