Wolverhampton Wanderers confirm that one of their longest-serving players has signed for a club competing in the Saudi Pro League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed that Daniel Podence has left Molineux for the Saudi Pro League.
The winger had barely featured for the Premier League outfit since the end of 2022-23 having spent last season on loan at Olmypiacos.
However, after a permanent switch to the Europa Conference League winners failed to materialise, Podence found himself back at Wolves waiting for a resolution regarding his future.
He was subsequently reintegrated back into the senior fold by head coach Gary O’Neil, being provided with substitute outings in the first two top-flight fixtures of the season.
Podence would follow that by completing 90 minutes in last week’s 2-0 victory over Burnley in the EFL Cup second round, yet that would prove to be his final appearance in a Wolves shirt.
Nothing beats sealing a deal at the last moment 👀
unless it’s for this level of talent! ✨⚽️ pic.twitter.com/P9f5bq3n7G— AlShabab Saudi Club (@AlShabab_EN) September 2, 2024
Podence Saudi switch announced
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Al Shabab confirmed that they had acquired the services of the Portugal international.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that Wolves will be receiving €5m (£4.21m), as well as possessing a 35% sell-on clause for the 28-year-old.
On Monday night, Podence angered some Wolves fans by only referring to his second successful stint at Olympiacos in his goodbye message on social media.
Nevertheless, sporting director Matt Hobbs has spoken highly of the playmaker, who has been contracted to Wolves for over four-and-a-half years.
Hobbs told the club’s official website: “I’ve got nothing but positive words to say about Danny. All my dealings with him have been easy, even when he was in a difficult place, and when people are like that, you want to look after them when it comes to moves.
“This is a life-changing opportunity for Danny and his family and one he leaves for with our best wishes. He’s a great guy and will always receive a warm welcome back to Molineux. Now, we wish him the best of luck at Al-Shabab.”
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Who will be Podence be joining at Al Shabab
Having contributed 16 goals and nine assists from his 108 appearances in a Wolves shirt, Podence will now look to impress in the Middle East.
Al Shabab are managed by Portuguese compatriot Vitor Pereira and have the likes of Wesley Hoedt and Yannick Carrasco in their ranks.
Last season’s fourth-placed side have started the new Saudi Pro League campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Al-Ettifaq and 1-0 victory over Al-Khaleej.