Wolves star Daniel Podence rejoins Olympiacos on loan

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 Olympiacos.

There is no buy option included, as Podence has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the West 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 clocked up more than 100 appearances for Wolves, netting 16 goals and nine assists.

Podence was an integral member of the first team, however, he fell down the pecking order of former manager Julen Lopetegui in the second half of the last season after suffering a dip in form.

Things also didn’t improve under new manager O’Neil, who had 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 should he come out good after his loan.

In addition to Podence, the Greek side have also announced the signing of Montenegrin free agent Stefan Jovetic.

Elsewhere, Podence joins the long list of summer departures at Wolves, which includes the likes of Ruben Neves, Matheus Cunha and Raul Jimenez.

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton snapped up Manchester City star Tommy Doyle in a loan deal with an option to buy on the deadline day of the transfer window.