Transfer fee, contract length, first reactions, shirt number revealed: Matheus Nunes joins Manchester City from Wolves

Manchester City have completed their fourth first-team signing of the summer transfer window, with Matheus Nunes moving to the Etihad Stadium from Wolves.

The 25-year-old moves to Manchester City from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, where the Portugal international midfielder enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Molineux.

Matheus Nunes featured in a total of 34 Premier League matches for the Wanderers last season, having moved to the Midlands from Sporting Lisbon for a club-record £42 million transfer fee.

The versatile central midfielder will become Manchester City’s fourth first-team addition of the ongoing summer transfer window, following in the footsteps of Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku.

Matheus Nunes could make his Manchester City debut at the Etihad Stadium as early as on Saturday afternoon, when the Sky Blues plays hosts to Marco Silva’s Fulham in the Premier League.

As all parties confirm the deal that has taken Matheus Nunes from Wolves to Manchester City on the final day of the 2023 summer transfer window, here is everything you need to know about the transfer!

What are the terms of the Matheus Nunes to Manchester City deal?

Matheus Nunes has moved to the Etihad Stadium for a revised €62 million, with no add-ons included in the agreement, signing a five-year contract at the club running until the summer of 2028.

Manchester City and England U21 international Tommy Doyle has moved to Wolves as part of the transfer, albeit in a separate negotiation, signing on an initial season-long loan, with the option to make the transfer permanent for £5 million.

What has Matheus Nunes said upon joining Manchester City?

Matheus Nunes told ManCity.com, “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 couldn’t turn down.

“I’ve 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.”

What has Txiki Begiristain said about his fourth signing this summer?

Txiki Begiristain told ManCity.com, “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.”

What have Wolves said about the deal?

As part of an official club statement, Wolves’ sporting director Matt 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. 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.”

What shirt number will Matheus Nunes wear for Manchester City?

Matheus Nunes has opted to take the number 27 shirt at Manchester City, succeeding fellow Portugal international Joao Cancelo, after the full-back dropped the number in favour of 7 in 2022.

Other Manchester City players to have worn the 27 jersey include Patrick Roberts, Benjani, and Danny Mills.