The wait for Wolves to sign a new player has finally ended following the arrival of Spaniard Fer Lopez.
Wolves signed Fer Lopez for £19.5 million from Celta Vigo on Friday, setting the standard for what supporters hope will be a successful transfer window.
Lopez is a talented forward who Vitor Pereira will deploy in a right-sided number 10 role at Wolves after predominantly playing as a winger in Spain.
Although the 21-year-old has only made 20 senior appearances, Lopez has already been compared to Jude Bellingham due to his incredible physicality and his stride length.
Now, the real test for him will be whether he can translate those attributes across to the Premier League.
Fer Lopez unveiled as Wolves new signing
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Why Fer Lopez can become a ‘standout player in England’
Lopez ranked just behind Kylian Mbappe for dribbles completed per 90 in La Liga last term, evincing his talents as a ball-carrying phenom.
The youngster has also been likened to former Manchester City hero Riyad Mahrez, who has made a career out of jinking inside on his left foot and causing destruction against the opposition.
Naturally, the Spanish playmaker won’t be expected to replace Matheus Cunha following his transfer to Manchester United, though Radio Marca Vigo expert Jose Riveiro feels he has all the attributes to become a star in the Premier League.
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“His physical attributes – his athleticism and stride – are well-suited for the Premier League, which is a very physical league,” Riveiro told Wolves’ official.
“When he was younger, he took longer than others to develop physically, which meant he didn’t stand out early on. But once he had his growth spurt, his level changed dramatically, and he began to show the quality he has today.”
He also mentioned that towards the end of 2024/25, Lopez became ‘more of a protagonist’, suggesting he has the skillset to make things happen.
“Towards the end of the season at Celta, he was starting to become more of a protagonist as he found his place in the first team,” Riveiro added. “If he continues developing physically while combining that with his talent, he could become a standout player in England.”
Where Lopez ranks in Wolves list of most expensive transfers
Some questioned Wolves paying almost £20 million for someone who has only made 20 senior appearances for Celta.
That being said, the above attributes and his sky-high potential could mean Lopez ends up being a bargain transfer and someone the Wanderers could sell on for a big profit.
In the list of Wolves’ record signings, the £19.5 million outlay places the Spaniard in ninth position, putting him narrowly behind Nathan Collins and Andre.
Most expensive signings Wolves have made
1. Matheus Cunha – £44m, from Atletico Madrid
2. Matheus Nunes – £42.2m, from Sporting CP
3. Fabio Silva – £35m, from FC Porto
4. Raul Jimenez – £30m, from Benfica
5. Nelson Semedo – £29m, from Barcelona
6. Goncalo Guedes – £27.5m, from Valencia
7. Andre – £21m, from Fluminense
8. Nathan Collins – £20.5m, from Burnley
9. Fer Lopez – £19.5m, from Celta Vigo
10. Jonny Castro Otto/Adama Traore – both £18m, from Atletico/Middlesbrough
Dave Edwards has backed Lopez to shine at Wolves, and hopefully, he can turn out to be another gem unearthed and not a flop like Fabio Silva.