Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Daniel Podence has completed his move to Al Shabab.
The Athletic previously reported that it looked like the 28-year-old would leave the club this summer amid interest from former club Olympiacos in Greece.
However, the one-time Portugal international has instead completed a move to the Saudi Pro League, bringing an end to his four-year stay with Wolves.
The deal is worth €6 million (£5m; $6.6m) with another €1m in performance-related add-ons. Wolves have a 35% sell-on clause.
A new threat in the @SPL_EN 😏⚡️ @daniel_podence is BLACK & WHITE! 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/OrSwa4dnCu
— AlShabab Saudi Club (@AlShabab_EN) September 2, 2024
Podence joined Wolves from Olympiacos in the summer of 2020 and scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 108 appearances for the Premier League side.
The Portuguese winger featured in three of Wolves’ games this season, providing an assist during their 2-0 victory over Burnley in the League Cup.
He rejoined Olympiacos on a season-long loan during the 2023-24 season, where he scored 15 and goals and provided 13 assists in 47 games, helping the side win the UEFA Conference League by beating Fiorentina 1-0 in the final in Athens.
Podence, whose single cap for Portugal came in 2020, posted a message on social media after his move to Al Shabab was confirmed saying goodbye to Olympiacos fans and not Wolves fans.
He said: “Thank you, Olympiacos! Thank you, Greece! Thank you President Marinakis! Thank you to each one of you guys who shared the dressing room with me and helped me to get an unbelievable season!
“Thank you to the best fans in the world! From the beginning of last season I was keen to be happy, get my joy back and give it back to the club as much as possible.
“At the same time, I knew it was difficult to do better than my first time there but we did it! That’s what makes it so hard for me to choose a different path now.
“I was living the dream and had to wake up in July to know that football isn’t only about quality and joy. It’s also about taking care of your family and future.”
Wolves are next in action against Newcastle United at Molineux on September 15.
GO DEEPER
Ranking the Premier League clubs’ transfers windows: Unhinged, treacherous, hmmm
(Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
