Latest news with #IagoAspas
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Who is new signing Lopez?
Wolves' signing of highly rated Spaniard Fer Lopez is a move that signals the club's intent to invest in Europe's next generation of creative in Madrid in May 2004, Lopez joined Celta Vigo's academy at the age of 10 and progressed steadily through the ranks. His development included a brief stint in England in 2018 with grassroots side Bacton United and Finborough School in Suffolk - a taste of English football that has now come full earned his first-team debut in the Copa del Rey in October 2024, marking the occasion by scoring twice. His La Liga debut came shortly after, in December, although an ankle injury in that match briefly stalled his is a left-footed attacking midfielder, often deployed as a number 10. He thrives in pockets of space between the lines, using sharp dribbling and intelligent movement to unlock defences. His ability to dictate play in the final third has drawn comparisons to Celta icon Iago Aspas, and even stylistic nods to Riyad Mahrez due to his close control and arrives in the Premier League as a relatively unknown quantity, but Wolves fans may not have to wait long to see his impact. With his blend of creativity, composure, and tactical awareness, he could quickly become a fan favourite - and one of the standout young talents in the league.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
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 the talented midfielder is poised to join Wolverhampton Wanderers for just €20 million, rather than the €40 million many assumed was required. Advertisement 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. Advertisement '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.' Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Premier League flop to get STATUE outside proposed World Cup stadium - as star's club labels him the 'best player' in their history
A Premier League flop who scored no goals in the division is set to be remembered for years to come with a statue. The striker was ranked the third-worst player in Liverpool's history - admittedly rather harshly and with recency bias - after struggling to adapt to the language and culture. But Iago Aspas is a legend for Celta Vigo and their president has revealed plans to build an effigy outside their Estadio Balaidos. That could see his imposing figure staring down at England stars as the ground is a proposed venue for the 2030 World Cup, hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Aspas moved to Anfield for £6million in 2013 but his only goal in 15 appearances came in the FA Cup against Oldham. He was then shipped out to Sevilla on loan for his second season on Liverpool 's books before moving back to Celta. A homeboy to the heart, Aspas had felt homesick when he moved the 16 kilometre distance from his fishing village of Moana to Vigo, so switching country was always going to be a struggle. Liverpool even allowed him to invite a group of his best friends over to help him acclimatise but that didn't help him integrate or crack the language. It's a different story for Celta, though. In the right environment, Aspas is a prolific forward. The striker, 37, has now scored 214 goals for them across 524 appearances. 'When we were in Manchester, there was a statue of Bobby Charlton in front of the stadium (...) The same will happen here with Iago Aspas,' said club president Marian Mourino. Mourino also hailed him as 'the best player in the club's history'. His form in LaLiga has seen him capped 20 times by Spain down the years and he has scored six goals for them. He scored against England on his Spain debut at Wembley in 2016 in a 2-2 draw. An overriding memory for Liverpool fans, though, may be of Aspas' woeful corner against Chelsea in 2014 in the game that killed off their title hopes. The infamous corner came as Liverpool were chasing the game in stoppage time. It needed to go into the danger area instead it went straight to Willlan on the edge of the box leaving exasperated team-mates gesturing, arms outstretched.
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Premier League flop, 37, known for awkward Anfield moment to be given statue at proposed World Cup stadium
The Prem flop has gone on to become a club legend in his homeland 'LAST MEMORY' Premier League flop, 37, known for awkward Anfield moment to be given statue at proposed World Cup stadium A PREMIER League flop is set to be immortalised outside a proposed World Cup stadium. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Iberian neighbours Spain and Portugal, as well as Morocco. 5 Celta Vigo's Estadio Balaidos will potentially host matches for the 2030 World Cup Credit: GETTY 5 A statue of flop Liverpool striker Iago Aspas is set to be erected outside the ground Credit: ACTION 5 Aspas will be honoured with a statue after scoring 214 goals for the club Credit: GETTY One of the Spanish stadiums touted as a potential match venue is the home of La Liga side Celta Vigo - the Estadio de Balaidos. And visiting fans will be greeted by a statue of flop Liverpool striker Iago Aspas. The 37-year-old joined the Merseysiders in the summer of 2013 but left Anfield after two seasons on their books. He found goals incredibly hard to come by, finding the back of the net ONCE in 15 appearances. That, however, wasn't the case at his boyhood team Celta, whom he's scored a whopping 214 goals for during two stints. Aspas is beloved by the Celta faithful, so much so that the club are commissioning a statue in his honour. Club president Marian Mourino said: "When we were in Manchester, there was a statue of Bobby Charlton in front of the stadium. "The same will happen here with Iago Aspas." 5 Iago Aspas was responsible for one of the worst corners in Premier League history against Chelsea Credit: Sky Sports 5 Anfield let out a collective groan as the Spaniard played a side-footed pass straight to Willian in the 91st minute as the Reds trailed the visitors 1-0. Credit: SKY SPORTS Aspas' 80th-minute winner against Getafe on the final day of the La Liga season last month secured Celta Europa League football for next season. He'll forever be remembered by the Celta fans for his incredible haul of goals. The Sports Desk EP13_AP_V2 But Liverpool supporters will likely remember him for his awful corner against Chelsea in April 2014. Aspas irked the Anfield faithful by playing a sidefooted pass straight to Willian in the 91st minute as the Reds trailed the visitors 1-0 in a crunch title clash. When recalling the horror corner in 2017, he told the Daily Mail: "It was a great season for Liverpool… I just wish I could have played a bigger part. 'The corner is the last memory they have of me but football always gives you another chance. 'Let's hope the new lasting memory of me in England is knocking Manchester United out of Europe, for the sake of Celta Vigo, and for the happiness it would bring to Liverpool supporters too.'
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Premier League flop, 37, known for awkward Anfield moment to be given statue at proposed World Cup stadium
A PREMIER League flop is set to be immortalised outside a proposed World Cup stadium. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Iberian neighbours Spain and Portugal , as well as Morocco . Advertisement 5 Celta Vigo's Estadio Balaidos will potentially host matches for the 2030 World Cup Credit: GETTY 5 A statue of flop Liverpool striker Iago Aspas is set to be erected outside the ground Credit: ACTION 5 Aspas will be honoured with a statue after scoring 214 goals for the club Credit: GETTY One of the Spanish stadiums touted as a potential match venue is the home of La Liga side Celta Vigo - the Estadio de Balaidos. And visiting fans will be greeted by a statue of flop Liverpool striker The 37-year-old joined the Merseysiders in the summer of 2013 but left Anfield after two seasons on their books . He found goals incredibly hard to come by, finding the back of the net ONCE in 15 appearances. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS That, however, wasn't the case at his boyhood team Celta, whom he's scored a whopping 214 goals for during two stints. Aspas is beloved by the Celta faithful, so much so that the club are commissioning a statue in his honour. Club president Marian Mourino said: "When we were in Manchester , there was a statue of "The same will happen here with Iago Aspas." Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive 5 Iago Aspas was responsible for one of the worst corners in Premier League history against Chelsea Credit: Sky Sports 5 Anfield let out a collective groan as the Spaniard played a side-footed pass straight to Willian in the 91st minute as the Reds trailed the visitors 1-0. Credit: SKY SPORTS Aspas' 80th-minute winner against Getafe on the final day of the La Liga season last month secured Celta Europa League football for next season. He'll forever be remembered by the Celta fans for his incredible haul of goals. Advertisement The Sports Desk EP13_AP_V2 But Liverpool supporters will likely remember him for his awful corner against Aspas irked the Anfield faithful by playing a sidefooted pass straight to Willian in the 91st minute as the Reds trailed the visitors 1-0 in a crunch title clash. When recalling the horror corner in 2017, he told the 'The corner is the last memory they have of me but football always gives you another chance. Advertisement 'Let's hope the new lasting memory of me in England is knocking Manchester United out of Europe , for the sake of Celta Vigo, and for the happiness it would bring to Liverpool supporters too.'
