Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has high expectations for new arrival, and thinks he could play at any of the top clubs in the future.
Pre-season has been full of highs and lows for Vitor Pereira’s side.
Wolves have failed to register a win in the four friendlies they have played this summer. Valid concerns are being voiced around Wolves’ attacking options, as the absence of Matheus Cunha is painfully noticeable.
But there have been some positives to take from the summer fixtures. Jhon Arias impressed fans with his debut goal against Girona, and Wolves’ other new winger has clearly made a good impression on Pereira.
Jhon Arias of Wolverhampton Wanderers (R) celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Andre (L) during the pre-season friendly match between Girona and Wolverhampton Wanderers
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Vitor Pereira says Fer Lopez is good enough for the ‘top clubs’
After joining from Celta Vigo for £19.5 million in June, Fer Lopez had a strong debut for Wolves and has continued to feature heavily in pre-season.
E&S got comments from Pereira about his new signing, saying: “In my opinion, Fer Lopez, he has the quality. He’s a player that in the future can play in the top clubs in England.”
But he would rather see Lopez reach his potential here at Molineux and help Pereira achieve his lofty ambitions. He praises the 21-year-old’s ability, explaining: “He has the talent, he’s a technical player, intelligent player, with the left foot that can give us the magic that we need.”
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He acknowledges that Lopez needs time to adapt, but he is clearly convinced and hopes the Spaniard can produce some of the magic that Cunha was so good at conjuring.
Wolves’ best front three after Goncalo Guedes sale
With the news earlier this week that Goncalo Guedes was sold to Real Sociedad, Pereira is down to just a handful of options to start in his forward line. Since returning from loan, Fabio Silva has been edging closer to the door, with multiple clubs interested.
After Jorgen Strand Larsen’s loan was made permanent, he is the clear choice to start up front. Behind him, there are really three players contending for a place in the first XI.
READ MORE: Wolves star sends a clear instruction to Vitor Pereira about Jhon Arias, ‘you will see’
Jorgen Strand Larsen of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates scoring their second goal with Hwang Hee-chan during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Chelsea FC at Molineux on August 25, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Hwang Hee Chan has been linked with a move away, but Wolves can’t afford to lose any more attackers. Should he stay, he could be favoured at least early in the season as the other two, Lopez and Jhon Arias, get accustomed to English football.
But eventually, Hwang should be coming off the bench and the two new signings preferred. Lopez and Strand Larsen have already gelled well, and Arias has shown his quality in pre-season.
Although the new forward signings have impressed, it’s hard to imagine Wolves fans will be happy if no more additions are made by deadline day.