Matheus Cunha’s trajectory at Cruzeiro has changed dramatically within just six months.
The goalkeeper, who signed a pre-contract in 2025 as part of the long-term succession plan for Cássio (currently 39), couldn’t secure a permanent spot and now seems out of the plans of coach Artur Jorge, according to reports from ge.
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To address the goalkeeping situation, the club’s management has requested the return of Léo Aragão, who excelled during his loan at Avaí in Série B and has pushed Cunha further down the goalkeeping hierarchy at Cruzeiro.
The missed opportunity
Matheus Cunha’s time in Belo Horizonte has been fraught with difficulties from the very start. An early preseason knee injury sidelined him for the opening matches of the Campeonato Mineiro, allowing then-third-choice goalkeeper Otávio to step in.
In March, after Cássio suffered a significant injury, Matheus finally got a substantial opportunity. The management opted against recruiting a new player, placing their trust in him:
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He started nine consecutive matches in the Brasileirão.
However, despite initial support from coach Artur Jorge, his performances fell short of expectations.
Eventually, he lost his starting role to young Otávio, who took advantage of the opportunity with solid displays, prompting the club to forgo acquiring another goalkeeper.
The future of Cruzeiro’s goalkeeping
As training resumed following the World Cup break, it was determined that the best course for Matheus, whose contract runs until 2028, would be to seek new opportunities elsewhere. He was notably absent from the squad for a recent friendly against Defensor, with Vitor Lamounier from the U-20s taking his place in the second half.
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Currently, Cruzeiro’s goalkeeping lineup features Otávio and Léo Aragão competing for the position, alongside Marcelo Eráclito and Lamounier, who has progressed from the academy. Meanwhile, Cássio is recuperating well post-knee surgery and is anticipated to make his return in the latter half of August.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.