Latest news with #Molineux
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Fer Lopez: Who is he, how does he play and what will he bring to Wolves?
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been here before. A young, Iberian player makes an unexpected move from southern Europe to Molineux with the help of Jorge Mendes, in exchange for a considerable outlay from Wolves. Sometimes it works out fantastically. Sometimes not. Only time will tell which category Fer Lopez falls into, and whether the first new arrival of Wolves' summer is the next Ruben Neves or Diogo Jota, another Goncalo Guedes or Fabio Silva, or somewhere in between. Advertisement The talent of the 21-year-old forward is not in dispute, nor the idea that if Vitor Pereira can unlock it in the Premier League, the initial £19.6million ($26.3m) signing has the potential to be productive for the team and exciting for the fans. 'He is a young man with clear ideas,' says Santi Peon, who follows Celta Vigo for radio station Deportes COPE. 'He is a very good player. He is a shy guy, but a very loved player in the dressing room. 'He is brave. Although he is young, he doesn't refuse contact with more experienced defenders. His best position is behind the striker, so he can play as a winger. He always wants to try to see the opposite goalkeeper.' Lopez's potential is not in doubt. What is a surprise to Celta supporters is the speed with which his form in La Liga has led to a Premier League move. Lopez did not make his debut in Spain's top division until December, catching the eye in a 2-0 victory over Real Mallorca three days after scoring the final two goals in a 7-0 Copa del Rey win over Segunda Division B side Salamanca. Little more than six months later, he is leaving the club he joined when he was 10 to move to a new country, city, club and league. 'Fer's idea was to play next season with Celta,' says Peon. 'Celta is his club, and he wanted to play in the Europa League. 'We knew maybe Fer was one of the players to go out, but not this summer, maybe the next one.' According to reports from AS in Spain, Celta needed to raise considerable funds and Mendes, who is close to both clubs, came up with a solution. Celta agreed to the deal despite criticism from supporters over the sale of an academy graduate who had been seen as heir apparent to Iago Aspas, 37-year-old forward who has spent a decade and a half with the club across two spells. Mendes' influence at Molineux had appeared to be waning in recent years, but seems on the increase again this summer thanks to the presence of one of his clients, Pereira, as head coach and a reorganisation of Wolves' football operations. Advertisement While Wolves supporters will view the arrival of a young Mendes player with a degree of trepidation due to his short top-level resume, the 21-year-old could replicate the success of Jota, who tore up the Championship and Premier League to earn a move to Liverpool, or Neves, who became the club's greatest player since Steve Bull. While any statistics regarding Lopez should be viewed with the caveat about a small sample size — he started just seven league games and featured in 17 in total — his dribbling stats are impressive. Of all players to play 600 or more minutes in La Liga last season, Lopez was 11th for dribbles completed per 90 minutes, close behind some big names. Well before the end of last season, Pereira made clear his desire for ball-carriers in the two positions behind his central striker, and the sale of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United has removed Wolves' best player in one-on-one attacking situations. A look back at clips from La Liga last season suggests Lopez has the potential to fit the bill. He showed his tricks and ball-carrying power in a 1-0 home win against Osasuna in February… … in a 1-1 home draw against Las Palmas in March… … and in a 2-1 home defeat by Rayo Vallecano in May. 'He was brave and not afraid of more experienced players in Primera Division (of La Liga),' says Peon. 'He could be lucky or not, but he was always trying to demonstrate he can play in La Liga.' If Lopez's first-team career is brief, his impact was not unexpected. During more than a decade in Celta's academy, he gained a reputation as a player with flair and strength, which he demonstrated around a month before his senior debut while playing for Celta Fortuna, Celta's reserve team, in a 3-1 defeat by Cultural Leonesa. And his talent and style of play led to comparisons with Aspas, who developed in the Celta academy 20 years earlier and has 190 goals from 434 La Liga appearances for the club. But in an interview in March with AS, Celta coach Claudio Giraldez, who coached Lopez as a youngster before both progressed to the first team, said: 'You have to have the calm and patience to guide each player on their path and not label them, especially when comparing them to someone who is incomparable. Advertisement 'It's not fair to Iago or Fer, although I understand it and we've all done it at some point. 'I see a lot of talent in Fer, but I've also seen very good players who haven't made it into the first team. I was lucky enough to be Iago's contemporary and he had tremendous talent, but there were many other players in that generation. 'We all see Fer has the talent to play in the First Division, and he's proven it, but there are many variables that can affect that prospect.' The task of ensuring Lopez fulfils his potential now falls to Wolves, who have invested heavily in his raw talent in the hope they can turn it into something special.
India Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Premier League 2025-26 fixtures: Manchester United face Arsenal in opening week
The Premier League has unveiled its fixtures for the 2025-26 season, and fans are in for a thrilling start as Manchester United host Arsenal on the opening Super Sunday at Old Trafford. It marks the beginning of a new era for United under manager Rben Amorim, and the challenge couldn't be tougher with title contenders Arsenal coming to town on August will also begin their title defence against Bournemouth at Anfield in the curtain-raiser on Friday, August 15. Chelsea, Manchester City, FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, and newly-promoted sides Sunderland, Leeds United, and Burnley also feature prominently in the early Sunday showdownAll eyes will be on Old Trafford as Amorim's Manchester United begin their campaign against a familiar rival in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. It's a daunting start for United, who will also face Manchester City and Chelsea in their opening five matches. Arsenal's fixture list is arguably even more challenging, with early-season tests against Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, City, and Newcastle after their trip to Manchester. Chelsea, now rebuilding under a fresh project, will welcome FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the other Super Sunday fixture, making for a compelling capital 2025/26 PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES— Premier League (@premierleague) June 18, 2025advertisementManchester City, meanwhile, begin their campaign away at Wolves in the Saturday evening kick-off. Pep Guardiola's side are expected to undergo a period of transition following the departure of several senior players, and Molineux could be a testing first return to Anfield spotlightLiverpool, crowned Premier League champions in 2024-25, will kick off the new season at home to Bournemouth under the Friday night lights. With Anfield expected to be in full voice, Jrgen Klopp's side will be eager to begin their title defence with three City, led by Pep Guardiola and boasting a refreshed squad, travel to Molineux to take on Wolves in the Saturday evening kick-off. Aston Villa and Newcastle will get Saturday underway in the early fixture, while Spurs - now under the guidance of former Brentford boss Thomas Frank - host newly-promoted Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur clubs step back into the spotlightLeeds United and Sunderland return to the top flight and will each enjoy home comforts on the opening weekend. Leeds will welcome Everton to Elland Road on Monday night in what will be their first Premier League match since May 2023, while Sunderland take on West Ham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday back in the top tier, face a tough assignment in north London against Spurs. The Clarets will be hoping for a stronger showing after last season's relegation but face a stern test against a rejuvenated Tottenham period adjustmentsThere are no fixtures scheduled for Boxing Day this season, though the Premier League has left the door open for matches to be moved to December 26 for live broadcast purposes. A full round of Championship and EFL games is expected to be held that day protect player welfare, the Premier League has confirmed no club will play more than once in a 48-hour period between December 27 and December 30, with travel also minimised during the festive weekend fixtures in full:Friday, 15 AugustLiverpool v BournemouthSaturday, 16 AugustAston Villa v NewcastleBrighton v FulhamNottingham Forest v BrentfordSunderland v West HamTottenham v BurnleyWolves v Manchester CitySunday, 17 AugustChelsea v Crystal PalaceManchester United v ArsenalMonday, 18 AugustLeeds United v EvertonWith heavyweight showdowns, newly promoted clubs back in the fold, and fresh managerial narratives across the board, the 2025-26 Premier League season looks set for a thrilling start. Whether at Old Trafford, Elland Road, or Anfield, the early fixtures offer drama, expectation, and no shortage of talking points advertisement
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Wolves Fixtures Premier League 2025-26: Vitor Pereira's side host Man City in Saturday tea time kick-off on the opening weekend
Wolves face a tough test on the opening day of the 2025-26 Premier League season as Vitor Pereira's side host Manchester City in a Saturday tea time kick off at Molineux. The early weeks of the season will Wolves host Everton and Leeds, along with facing trips to Bournemouth, Newcastle and Tottenham. Wolves will travel to Midlands rivals Aston Villa in November, with the return fixture in February. Wolves face a challenging December which includes away matches against Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as two clashes against Man United. The final weeks of the season include home matches against Sunderland and Fulham, along with trips to Brighton and Burnley. Read the full list below: 16/08/2025 17:30 Manchester City (h) 23/08/2025 15:00 A.F.C. Bournemouth (a) 30/08/2025 15:00 Everton (h) 13/09/2025 15:00 Newcastle United (a) 20/09/2025 15:00 Leeds United (h) 27/09/2025 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur (a) 04/10/2025 15:00 Brighton (h) 18/10/2025 15:00 Sunderland (a) 25/10/2025 15:00 Burnley (h) 01/11/2025 15:00 Fulham (a) 08/11/2025 15:00 Chelsea (a) 22/11/2025 15:00 Crystal Palace (h) 29/11/2025 15:00 Aston Villa (a) 03/12/2025 20:00 Nottingham Forest (h) 06/12/2025 15:00 Manchester United (h) 13/12/2025 15:00 Arsenal (a) 20/12/2025 15:00 Brentford (h) 27/12/2025 15:00 Liverpool (a) 30/12/2025 20:00 Manchester United (a) 03/01/2026 15:00 West Ham United (h) 07/01/2026 20:00 Everton (a) 17/01/2026 15:00 Newcastle United (h) 24/01/2026 15:00 Manchester City (a) 31/01/2026 15:00 A.F.C. Bournemouth (h) 07/02/2026 15:00 Chelsea (h) 11/02/2026 20:00 Nottingham Forest (a) 21/02/2026 15:00 Crystal Palace (a) 28/02/2026 15:00 Aston Villa (h) 04/03/2026 20:00 Liverpool (h) 14/03/2026 15:00 Brentford (a) 21/03/2026 15:00 Arsenal (h) 11/04/2026 15:00 West Ham United (a) 18/04/2026 15:00 Leeds United (a) 25/04/2026 15:00 Tottenham Hotspur (h) 02/05/2026 15:00 Sunderland (h) 09/05/2026 15:00 Brighton (a) 17/05/2026 15:00 Fulham (h) 24/05/2026 16:00 Burnley (a) All fixtures are subject to change once live TV schedule has been finalised.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Wolves confirm changes to football leadership team
Wolves have revealed the details of a restructure of their behind-the-scenes footballing Teti has beenb appointed as director of professional football at Molineux. Teti has previously held roles at Sampdoria and Al-Shabab, where he worked with Wolves boss Vitor Jackson, who joined the club in 2021, has a new role as director of player recruitment and development, and a club statement said he will work closely with Teti and other senior executives from the football football leadership team also includes newly appointed director of performance Phil Hayward, director of football operations and administration Matt Wild and PR and communications director Max said: "I am truly excited to join the Wolverhampton Wanderers family and to feel the passion of its fans, who embody the soul and spirit of this historic club," said Teti."It is an honour to be part of something so special."Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said Teti's "international background and experience at senior levels will bring fresh insight to the club", adding: "This leadership group provides clear expertise across all operational areas, ensuring alignment and strong collaboration throughout the football department."
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wolves prepared to let Guedes leave this summer
Wolves are willing to let midfielder Goncalo Guedes leave this summer as Vitor Pereira reshapes his squad. The club has already banked over £90m following the sales of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City. Advertisement Guedes cost Wolves £27.5m when he joined from from Valencia in 2022 but has made just 18 Premier League starts. He has spent two loan spells at Benfica and also six months at Villarreal in 2024. Guedes, 28, returned to Molineux and 33 of his 51 appearances for the club came last season. "I'm not sure about Goncalo Guedes, because he has a contract with us," boss Vitor Pereira said via Portuguese outlet Record earlier this week. "I like him, but he's been there for a few years and has this ambition to leave." The club has been looking at left-backs and number 10s to replace Ait-Nouri and Cunha - although Hugo Bueno is due to return from his loan spell at Feyenoord to be a contender for the left-back spot. Advertisement Right-back remains a priority with Nelson Semedo out of contract and yet to sign the new deal on offer at Molineux. Wolves are also due to appoint Domenico Teti as part of their internal shake-up. Teti worked with Pereira at Al Shabab and is expected to come in as sporting director after the departure of Matt Hobbs last week.
