Celta Vigo expert Jose Riveiro believes Fer Lopez – Wolves’ first signing of summer 2025 – has the potential to become a standout player in the Premier League.
As an avid watcher of Lopez during his time at Celta, Radio Marca Vigo presenter and commentator Riveiro explains to wolves.co.uk why he feels the attacker will suit perfectly into Vitor Pereira’s system at Molineux, how Lopez’s experience in England as a youngster will benefit him at Wolves and admits the Celta supporters in northern Spain are saddened to be losing one of their most promising local talents.
What type of player can Wolves fans expect from Lopez?
“Lopez is a high-quality attacking midfielder, left-footed, with a strong physical presence and a great engine. He’s what you’d call a box-to-box player, with a stride and physique somewhat reminiscent of Jude Bellingham – although of course, with important differences in level and experience. His ideal role is as a more advanced midfielder – not a holding midfielder – someone who can make runs into the box, carry the ball forward, and link up play. He has excellent vision and tends to move forward more than he sits back. He’s definitely more of an offensive player than a defensive one.”
Do you think his style of play will suit the Premier League?
“Yes, absolutely. His physical attributes – his athleticism and stride – are well-suited for the Premier League, which is a very physical league. When he was younger, he took longer than others to develop physically, which meant he didn’t stand out early on. But once he had his growth spurt, his level changed dramatically, and he began to show the quality he has today. Towards the end of the season at Celta, he was starting to become more of a protagonist as he found his place in the first team. If he continues developing physically while combining that with his talent, he could become a standout player in England.”
How well thought of was he at Celta?
“He was very highly regarded. Everyone who follows Celta closely considered him one of the club’s brightest young prospects – even seen by some as a potential successor to club legend Iago Aspas. He’s still very young and has played only about 15 games with the first-team so far, but he had already made a name for himself in the youth teams. His development has been steady, and his recent integration into the first team has shown that he’s ready to take the next step. If he continues on this path of development, there’s no doubt he can become one of the top players in Europe. He has all the ingredients: talent, physique, mentality and work ethic.”
What is he like off the pitch?
“Off the pitch, he’s a very calm and grounded person. He’s quite family-oriented and enjoys spending time with his close friends and loved ones. He comes from a good, stable family in Vigo. His upbringing was very comfortable, and he often says how grateful he is for the support and values instilled by his parents. He’s always been very happy at home. That solid and supportive family environment has helped him stay grounded and focused. He’s had access to good education and structure, which has no doubt contributed to both his personality and development as a player.”
Do you think his experience of playing in England, as well as his friendship with Jorgen Strand Larsen, will help him settle at Wolves?
“Definitely. In 2018, he spent three months in England because his parents wanted him to learn English. Since then, he’s continued his education in good schools, and he now speaks English quite well. That experience will certainly help him adapt more quickly to life at Wolves. Lopez and Strand Larsen were on holiday together recently and they met at Celta last season, when Strand Larsen was in the first team and Fer Lopez was still mainly with the reserve squad but often trained with the seniors. They became close friends during that time, and that relationship will surely help him feel more comfortable in his new surroundings.”
What is the reaction from the Celta supporters to his move to Wolves?
“The reaction hasn’t been particularly positive. Many Celta fans saw him as the club’s next big thing, a local prospect with the potential to become a legend. Some fans are upset, feeling that he’s chosen to leave for money and adventure in England rather than stay and grow with Celta. It’ll be emotional for many supporters to see two former Celta players – especially one considered a future symbol of the club – lining up against them [for Wolves in pre-season] and it might stir mixed feelings. Some fans will be proud, others disappointed. It will definitely be a talking point.”
See and hear more from Jose on Instagram @jose_riveiro_c.
