“He’s a Long-term Replacement for Cunha” – Wolves Close to Sealing Deal for Highly-rated La Liga Play Maker as a Potential Cunha Successor

Wolves Consider Move for Celta Vigo Starlet Fer Lopez as Matheus Cunha Successor

Wolverhampton Wanderers are weighing up a move for Celta Vigo’s highly-rated midfielder Fer Lopez as they begin the search for a long-term replacement for Matheus Cunha.

Cunha’s £62.5million move to Manchester United was confirmed earlier this week, with the funds set to arrive at Molineux in three instalments. While the structure of the deal may restrict Wolves’ immediate ability to spend big, head coach Vitor Pereira is still keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Wolves are “contemplating whether to make a move for Fer Lopez,” with the 21-year-old regarded as one of La Liga’s emerging creative talents. The Spaniard has just completed his first full season in the top flight, notching two goals across 17 appearances — including a standout strike in a 3-0 win over Villarreal in the closing stages of the campaign.

Lopez also completed 90 minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid, underlining the faith shown in him by Celta Vigo head coach Claudio Giráldez. Since making his senior debut in December, the young midfielder has grown in stature, becoming a regular fixture in the squad despite limited overall experience at senior level.

He is not to be confused with Barcelona midfielder Fermín López. Fer Lopez remains under contract with Celta until 2028, and the Spanish side are understood to be considering a fresh extension should Wolves make a formal approach in the coming weeks.

A major factor in any potential deal could be the influence of Jorge Mendes. Lopez is represented by Gestifute — Mendes’ agency — which has a well-documented history of brokering deals involving Wolves, including the likes of Ruben Neves, João Moutinho, and Pedro Neto. Mendes’ involvement could ease negotiations and potentially accelerate progress should Wolves move forward with their interest.

Despite his potential, there are reservations among sections of the fanbase about whether Lopez is ready to step into the shoes of Cunha, who produced 21 direct goal contributions — 15 goals and six assists — in the Premier League last season. In comparison, Lopez has 21 contributions in total across 71 appearances for Celta Vigo and their B team.

Still, with Pereira reportedly open to developing younger talents and embedding them within his tactical system, Lopez may represent a long-term investment rather than a direct like-for-like replacement. The club appears to be considering whether to back that vision or pivot toward more experienced targets in the coming weeks.

Celta boss Giráldez is unlikely to welcome interest in one of his most promising academy graduates, but much will depend on the level of Wolves’ offer and whether Lopez is tempted by a switch to the Premier League.

Wolves continue to assess the market as they look to reshape their attacking unit following Cunha’s departure — and Lopez remains firmly on the radar as the summer window begins to gather pace.