Gary O’Neil could be tasked with a major problem as Wolves prepare to integrate summer signing Andre into the squad.
On deadline day, Wolves announced the capture of Andre from Fluminense, signing the midfielder in a deal worth £21m.
The Old Gold pulled off a masterclass by securing the Brazilian’s signature, as the 23-year-old was in high demand in the Premier League due to his form in his homeland.
A report from 90min in 2023 listed interest from Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool, telling of the success of Matt Hobbs’ deadline day signing.
Andre could be a problem for Matheus Cunha at Wolves
After signing his contract, Andre made his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest last weekend, playing a minor part in Wolves’ 1-1 draw at the City Ground.
The early signs of the midfielder were strong however, there could soon be a significant problem for Gary O’Neil to resolve when planning his starting XI with the Brazil international included.
O’Neil is expected to introduce Andre to a three-man midfield, playing behind the partnership of Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes.
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While on paper, the trio in the middle of the park is a prospect to be admired, it could spell bad news for Matheus Cunha’s current role.
Playing a 4-3-3 formation to accommodate the trio of Gomes, Lemina and Andre would eliminate the possibility of Cunha occupying the number 10 role just behind the striker, something that is a pity for the Brazilian.
Cunha has been thriving in the pocked behind Jorgen Strand Larsen, playing close to his very best in both pre-season and at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
Given the struggles that the former Atletico Madrid forward faced when he first arrived in the Premier League, it would be a shame to disrupt his form and the sanctuary the 25-year-old has discovered in central attacking midfield.
Cunha is at his best in the number 10 role
It wouldn’t all be bad news for Cunha, who would likely shift onto the left side of attack in order to accommodate Andre in midfield.
That being said, O’Neil has seen firsthand just how deadly the Brazilian is when playing in the number 10 role in the current squad.
Signing Strand Larsen was a blessing for the forward, who was relieved of his expectations to lead the line and handed a target man to work with in attack.
It’s a difficult situation that the manager must think carefully about, with the last thing that Wolves need being Cunha’s form to dip or be disrupted by a change in position.
What will be fascinating is how O’Neil bids to line up his midfield and attack following the arrival of Andre, with Cunha being the most-likely figure to have his role altered to make room for Wolves’ new number seven.