NafisaWolves are advancing in their effort to secure Celta Vigo midfielder Fer Lopez for Molineux.
After Lopez was seen with Stand Larsen on vacation, Fabrizio Romano disclosed that the club have finalized personal terms with the 21-year-old.
The transfer for Lopez follows Matheus Cunha’s exit to Manchester United.
While Lopez is not a direct substitute for Cunha, there is one aspect where he outperforms the Brazilian significantly, according to the data.
Fer Lopez has a much stronger defensive work rate than Matheus Cunha:
Cunha shouldered a lot of the creative responsibility for Wolves this season, contributing… As such, his ability on this front cannot be questioned.
At times, however, his demeanor and disciplinary record were not up to par.
Judging by his effort, particularly defensively, the same cannot be said for Fer Lopez.
According to Concept Scouting, for instance, Lopez ranked in the 76th percentile for defensive duels, his second strongest category behind accelerations.
By comparison, midway through last season when Concept Scouting ran the same analysis for Matheus Cunha, the 26-year-old ranked on the 58th percentile his joint-third worst category.
Providing he brings the same commitment once in the Old Gold, it is that sort of mindset that will win over Lopez to the Wolves supporters.
How does Fer Lopez fare across more fundamental metrics?
At the beginning of the 2024/25 season, Lopez was competing for Celta Vigo’s B team in the Spanish third division.
After four goals and two assists in 17 matches, along with several impressive displays, he was elevated to Celta Vigo’s senior squad.
While finding the increase in level somewhat challenging – the 21-year-old only scored two goals and provided no assists in 17 La Liga matches – he contributed to his team’s solid seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification.
Lopez also shone in the Copa Del Rey, netting two goals across three matches and earning an average rating of 7.50, according to SofaScore.
The midfielder is still unpolished, but there is potential to be nurtured there. Most importantly, and as noted above, his attitude seems to be top-notch, something that will help gain the support of Wolves fans should he complete the transfer to Molineux.
Nafisa
