Football Today
·5 September 2023
Football Today
·5 September 2023
Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Daniel Podence has secured a surprise return to Olympiacos on a season-long loan, as confirmed by both clubs.
Podence’s future was the subject of exit speculation throughout the summer after losing his place under Wolves manager Gary O’Neil.
Clubs from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Celtic, Sevilla and Real Betis were credited with an interest in the Portuguese forward.
However, none of the moves materialised, with Podence opting to return to his former club.
There is no buy option included, as Podence has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Midlands outfit.
The former Sporting CP star’s impressive stint at Olympiacos caught the attention of Wolves, who signed him in 2020.
The 27-year-old has made over 100 appearances for Wolves, netting 16 goals and nine assists.
Podence was an integral member of the first team, but he fell down the pecking order under former manager Julen Lopetegui in the second half of the last season after suffering a dip in form.
Things also didn’t improve under O’Neil, who excluded Podence from the first-team squad in the Premier League this season.
It looks clear that Wolves are looking to ship out the Portuguese star for a considerable fee next summer or integrate him back into their plans if his loan is successful/
The Greek club have also announced the signing of Montenegrin free agent Stefan Jovetic.
Podence joins the long list of summer departures at Wolves, which includes Ruben Neves, Matheus Cunha and Raul Jimenez.
They have snapped up Manchester City star Tommy Doyle in a loan deal with an option to buy on the deadline day of the transfer window.