After sanctioning the exits of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, Wolves finally made their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Wolves captured Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo for a fee in the region of £20 million, with the 21-year-old signing a five-year contract at Molineux.
Lopez has already been compared to Jude Bellingham by one expert, possessing a similar level of physicality and stride length to the Real Madrid superstar.
But whilst that comparison is promising, Wolves fans won’t expect miracles from the Spaniard, as he’s only made 20 senior appearances for Celta.
So, after completing his move to the club, here are the winners and losers from the transfer.
Winners from Wolves signing Fer Lopez
Jorgen Strand Larsen
Jorgen Strand Larsen was pictured on holiday with Fer Lopez last week as speculation over his transfer to Molineux began to heat up.
Lopez then admitted that Strand Larsen persuaded him to join after selling Vitor Pereira’s project to him. After spending time with each other at Celta Vigo, the duo will now link up at Wolves, and that is an exciting prospect.
The Norwegian was sometimes starved of service last term, but his new teammate is a creative metronome, capable of occupying pockets of space and threading balls into him.
That is why Strand Larsen will be delighted with Lopez joining the club, as the duo have the chance to create a devastating partnership.
Vitor Pereira
Pereira is known for his ability to develop young talent. Rodrigo Gomes has seen an improvement at Wolves under his guidance, and Lopez will hope to follow a similar path.
The Portuguese boss has been crying out for a left-footed playmaker with an eye for goal, and fortunately, the Spaniard possesses those attributes in abundance.
With Cunha now out of the door, Pereira will be delighted that Wolves have quickly found a new number 10, even if he isn’t directly replacing the Brazilian.
Losers from Fer Lopez joining Wolves
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde experienced a resurgence under Pereira in 2024/25. He recorded two goals and seven assists in 35 Premier League appearances, his best return since joining the club.
Bellegarde’s position in the starting line-up was never guaranteed, though, and during the final five matches he was benched on three occasions.
The Frenchman typically operates in a similar position to Lopez, as a right-sided number 10, and now the £12.8 million signing will be competing for a place in the side.
Harvey Elliott
Wolves were linked with Harvey Elliott in May as it became known that he wasn’t a part of Arne Slot’s long-term plans.
The 22-year-old only started twice in the Premier League under the Dutchman, but with Liverpool slapping a £40 million asking price on Elliott, Wolves fans were put off by the prospect of him joining.
Elliott has admitted he doesn’t want to ‘waste his career’, which suggests he could leave Anfield, though Lopez signing has undoubtedly damaged his chances of moving to Molineux.