Godwin ObajeWolves Close in on €25m Deal for Spanish Starlet Fer López – the ‘Next Mahrez’?
Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to make their first major move of the summer transfer window, with highly-rated Celta Vigo attacker Fer López on the brink of a €25 million (£21.3m) switch to Molineux.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who only made his senior debut last year, has sparked excitement among Wolves fans eager to see the club reinvigorate its attack following the departures of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri. While those exits have left gaps in the squad, the addition of López could inject the spark and creativity Wolves have sorely lacked.
López, a left-footed playmaker who typically operates from the right flank or in attacking midfield, has made just 20 senior appearances for Celta across La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Despite that limited exposure, he’s already showcased enough flair and technical quality to convince Wolves to invest heavily.
A product of Celta’s youth academy, López is known for his lightning-fast footwork, intelligent positioning, and the ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. He scored four goals last season and created a host of opportunities, with an average of four shot-creating actions per match – impressive numbers for a player in his breakout campaign.
“He’s a joy to watch,” a source close to Celta said. “The fans didn’t want to see him go – they believe he’s the future of the club.”
While he’s yet to register an assist in senior football, that statistic doesn’t tell the full story. His vision and passing range are already drawing praise, with many highlighting the precision of his through balls and crosses, particularly from wide areas.
One scout familiar with his game noted: “López’s creativity is ahead of his years. He needs refining in his decision-making, sure, but the raw ability is all there. He’s got that Mahrez-type flair about him.”
Indeed, comparisons to Riyad Mahrez have begun to surface. A former youth coach of López’s, who worked with him during a brief spell in England, even described him as “reminiscent of a young Mahrez – elegant, elusive and decisive in the final third.”
López spent part of his teenage years in Suffolk, where he reportedly dazzled local defenders while training with Bacton United in 2018. His time in England has left him fluent in the language and acclimatised to the country’s football culture – something that could ease his adaptation to the Premier League.
While Wolves boss Vítor Pereira is still shaping his squad, the Portuguese coach is known to favour technically gifted attackers who can link midfield and forward lines. That’s an area Wolves have struggled with – even under Gary O’Neil, transitions from deep were often laboured, with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde the only consistent conduit.
López, though not a deep-tracking midfielder, presses energetically and could serve as the creative bridge Wolves have lacked.
The deal, expected to be finalised in the coming days, would mark a clear shift in transfer strategy – investing in high-ceiling talent capable of becoming a cornerstone in a new era under Pereira.
For Wolves fans, the prospect of López lighting up Molineux with his blend of finesse and flair offers reason for cautious optimism. If the Mahrez comparisons hold weight, this could be one of the most exciting signings of the summer.
Godwin Obaje
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