Cruzeiro Shifts Strategy as Goalkeeper Matheus Cunha Becomes Expendable

Matheus Cunha’s tenure at Cruzeiro has shifted significantly over the past six months.

The goalkeeper, who signed a pre-contract in 2025 to eventually succeed the 39-year-old Cássio, failed to secure his position. According to reports from ge, he is no longer part of coach Artur Jorge’s plans for the team.

To address the gap in the roster, the club’s board has recalled Léo Aragão. Aragão, who previously spent time on loan as a starter for Avaí in Série B, now moves ahead of Cunha in the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy.

The loss of his starting spot

Matheus Cunha’s time in Belo Horizonte faced immediate challenges. A knee injury during the first week of preseason sidelined him for the opening rounds of the Campeonato Mineiro, allowing third-choice goalkeeper Otávio to step in.

Cunha received a major opportunity in March after Cássio suffered a serious injury. The board opted against entering the transfer market, choosing instead to place their trust in the goalkeeper:

He played nine consecutive matches as a starter in the Brasileirão.

Despite the initial backing from Artur Jorge, his performances on the pitch did not meet expectations. Cunha eventually lost his starting role to the younger Otávio, whose strong displays convinced the club to abandon plans to sign a new goalkeeper.

The future of Cruzeiro’s goal

Upon the resumption of training following the World Cup break, the club decided that the best course of action for Cunha—who is under contract until the end of 2028—is to pursue a fresh start with a new team. He was excluded from the squad for a recent friendly against Defensor, where U-20 goalkeeper Vitor Lamounier featured in the second half.

Cruzeiro’s current goalkeeping rotation features a direct competition between Otávio and Léo Aragão, supported by Marcelo Eráclito and the promoted Lamounier. Meanwhile, Cássio continues his recovery following knee surgery and remains on track to return in the second half of August.