Wolves Wave Goodbye to Jimenez, but Cunha Steps Up
Wolves fans spent years celebrating Raul Jimenez. When Jimenez first arrived from Benfica in 2018, he instantly clicked with the team. His combination of power, intelligence, and a sharp eye for goal quickly made him a fan favorite at Molineux. In his prime, he was one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League. Those 57 goals and 23 assists in 166 games stand as proof that he wasn’t just a poacher—he could create danger from almost anywhere in attack.
But November 2020 changed everything. A sickening head clash with David Luiz left Jimenez with a fractured skull, sending shockwaves through the football world. After that, things were never quite the same. The pace, the instinct—something always looked a little off, no matter how hard he fought. By the summer of 2023, the club made the tough call, selling Jimenez to Fulham for a far smaller fee than his peak value. It felt like the end of an era at Wolves, especially with the number nine shirt going to Jorgen Strand Larsen, raising questions about who would fill that massive void.
The Emergence of Matheus Cunha
Surprisingly, the answer didn’t come from a traditional number nine. Matheus Cunha—a player known for his technical flair rather than penalty box poaching—started catching the manager’s eye. He’s not your typical out-and-out striker, but his ability to glide past defenders, link up play, and create space echoes the qualities fans loved in Jimenez.
Under Gary O’Neil, Cunha has flourished. He’s developed into the heartbeat of Wolves’ attack, capable of dropping deep, carrying the ball at speed, and launching attacks almost singlehandedly. When Cunha plays, Wolves look more unpredictable; defenders are left guessing whether he’ll drive forward, lay the ball off, or pull something unexpected. This new dynamic has given the team a creative edge again, even with the extra burden of financial pressure lingering in the background.
What’s striking is how seamless the transition feels. While not a direct swap in style, Cunha’s emergence means Wolves haven’t had to completely overhaul their approach—or break the bank chasing an expensive transfer. He’s grown into a new leadership role in attack, giving fans something to get excited about again. It’s not just about goals; it’s about how he helps the team move forward, link up in tight spaces, and press opponents higher up the pitch.
Meanwhile, Jimenez, now at Fulham, has started rediscovering some old form for Mexico. It’s been a slow road, but seeing him back on the score sheet brings a smile to those who remember his best days at Molineux.
In football, succession is rarely smooth. For Wolves, finding a player like Cunha—the right mix of creativity, drive, and adaptability—has made the gap left by Jimenez look a little less daunting. The club’s ability to adapt without overspending highlights a bit of smart decision-making you don’t always see in the modern game.
