Wolves Land Midfielder in €20m Deal After Celta Vigo Contract Loophole

Wolves Raid Celta Vigo for Starlet as Transfer Loophole Frustrates La Liga Club
Contract Clause Opens Door for Wolves
Celta Vigo's hopes of landing a record-breaking transfer fee have been dashed by a clause hidden deep within Fer López's reserve team contract. As reported by AS.com, the talented midfielder is poised to join Wolverhampton Wanderers for just €20 million, rather than the €40 million many assumed was required.
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The low release figure stems from López's dual contract arrangement. His first-team clause stood at €40 million, but because he was never formally promoted beyond the reserves, Wolves only need to pay half.
'Currently, Fer López still has a reserve team contract, and Wolverhampton's emergence at this time means he only has to pay €20 million to secure the talented Celta Vigo midfielder.'
Photo IMAGO
Mendes Connection Proves Pivotal
Celta Vigo are effectively powerless to stop the deal, with López having already agreed terms with the Premier League side. Their only option now lies in negotiating payment in instalments. Ironically, the club's best hope for a smoother exit may lie with Jorge Mendes, Wolves' manager and López's agent.
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'The good relationship between Celta Vigo and Jorge Mendes… could facilitate this path.'
Missed Opportunity for Celta's Future
The loss is immense, both on the pitch and in the accounts. Celta lose the player earmarked to follow Iago Aspas's footsteps — 'the heir to Iago Aspas, the most talented player in the youth academy since the genius from Moaña emerged.'
The club also forfeits the most lucrative deal in their history. '€20 million for a player as promising as Fer López sounds like a real bargain.'
Financial Fallout for Club Leadership
Celta's decision not to promote López to the senior squad now haunts sporting director Marco Garcés. 'Garcés won't have as much money to find a replacement, which would be entirely different from earning €40 million.'
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In the unforgiving modern market, €20 million feels like pocket change for such a high ceiling. Wolves appear to have pulled off one of the smartest coups of the summer.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
For Wolves supporters, this feels like a watershed moment. Picking up a player of Fer López's calibre, one hailed as 'the heir to Iago Aspas,' for just €20 million is daylight robbery in today's inflated market. It is a clear sign that the club, now under Jorge Mendes' direct stewardship, is finally exploiting its unique network smartly.
This move sends out a message: Wolves are done with scrapping for survival. They want to build something lasting. López isn't just another punt on potential — he's seen as a player Celta hoped to build their future around. Now, that future might be cast in old gold.
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Of course, expectation brings pressure. If López settles quickly, Wolves could have a midfield star ready to influence games by Christmas. The fact that Mendes is both representing and managing ensures the player will be given every chance.
There will be concerns about ethics and dual interests, but right now, the only thing Wolves fans care about is the talent. If this transfer works, it could be the start of a golden generation at Molineux.

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