NafisaWolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) are on the brink of securing their first major signing of the summer transfer window, with Celta Vigo’s promising midfielder Fer López poised to join the Premier League side.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement is nearly finalized, and the deal could be officially sealed as early as next week.
The 21-year-old Spanish talent has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Wolves, marking a significant coup for the Midlands club as they look to rebuild following the high-profile departures of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Romano’s update, shared on social media, indicates that negotiations between Wolves and Celta Vigo are progressing, with the Spanish club expected to receive a transfer fee exceeding €20 million.
Background and Negotiations
Fer López, a product of Celta Vigo’s renowned youth academy, has emerged as one of La Liga’s brightest prospects. His breakthrough season in 2024/25 saw him contribute four goals and two assists in 17 appearances for Celta Vigo’s B team, earning a promotion to the first team.
Although his output in the top flight was modest—two goals in 17 La Liga appearances—he played a key role in securing a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification for Celta.
His standout performances in the Copa del Rey, where he scored two goals and earned an average rating of 7.50 per SofaScore, further highlighted his potential.
The transfer saga has been fueled by the influence of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who represents López and has strong ties to Wolves. Reports suggest that Mendes has played a pivotal role in facilitating the deal, leveraging his relationship with the club’s ownership, including 49ers Enterprises.
This connection echoes last year’s transfer of Jorgen Strand Larsen from Celta to Wolves for €30 million, a move that stabilized Celta’s finances and set a precedent for this potential deal.
Initial speculation pegged López’s release clause at €40 million, but recent developments indicate a lower fee due to a loophole in his reserve team contract.
Sources, including AS.com, claim that because López was never formally promoted beyond the B team, Wolves may secure him for around €20 million, a figure that has been widely cited across multiple outlets.
Celta Vigo, however, appears to be pushing for a higher amount or additional benefits, such as a percentage of any future sale, with negotiations ongoing to finalize the payment structure—potentially in installments.
Strategic Fit for Wolves
López is not seen as a direct replacement for Matheus Cunha, who departed for Manchester United in a deal worth over £62.5 million. Instead, the young midfielder is expected to operate as a right-sided number 10, bringing a different dynamic to Wolves’ attack.
His defensive work rate, ranking in the 76th percentile for defensive duels according to Concept Scouting, offers a significant advantage over Cunha, who lagged in this area with a 58th percentile ranking.
This attribute has been praised by fans and analysts alike, with some describing López as a “unicorn” due to his unique blend of technical skill, composure, and physical presence at 6 feet tall.
Under new sporting director Kevin Thelwell and manager Vitor Pereira, Wolves are shifting toward a recruitment model focused on young, high-potential players. López fits this strategy, joining the likes of Hamza Igamane and Mohamed Diomande as part of a long-term vision to build a sustainable squad.
The club’s ability to negotiate a bargain fee for a player hailed as “the heir to Iago Aspas” underscores their growing savvy in the transfer market, though it raises questions about Celta’s decision not to secure his first-team status earlier.
Implications for Celta Vigo
For Celta, López’s departure represents a significant loss, both on the pitch and financially. The club had high hopes for the youngster as a successor to veteran striker Iago Aspas, and his exit for €20 million—far below the €40 million clause—has been described as a “bargain” for Wolves.
Sporting director Marco Garcés now faces the challenge of reinvesting the proceeds to find a suitable replacement, a task complicated by the club’s apparent powerlessness to block the transfer given López’s agreed terms.
The timing of the deal is also critical for Celta, who need to balance their books before the end of June. López’s sale could mirror last year’s Strand Larsen transfer, providing a much-needed financial boost.
However, the rapid succession of losing talents like Brais Méndez, Gabri Veiga, and now López has sparked concerns among fans about the club’s ability to retain its academy stars.
Next Steps
With personal terms settled and a fee structure under discussion, the transfer hinges on the clubs’ ability to agree on the final details. Reports suggest that Wolves are prepared to pay in installments, a tactic they employed in Cunha’s sale to Manchester United.
If successful, López could undergo medical tests and sign a long-term contract—potentially until 2030—by early next week, marking a watershed moment for Wolves as they aim to compete in the Premier League.
For now, the deal remains in the final stages, with excitement building among Wolves supporters and cautious optimism at Celta Vigo. As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on Molineux to see if López becomes the first signing of the new era under 49ers Enterprises’ stewardship.
Nafisa
