According to a recent report by Sky Sports, Wolverhampton Wanderers have agreed on a £16.9m fee to acquire the services of Olympiakos wing wizard Daniel Podence this month. The same source has also revealed that the Portuguese playmaker is set to undergo his medical on Wednesday (today) having already agreed to personal terms with the West Midlands club.
Podence’s Eye-Catching Spell In The Greek Top-Flight
The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign in Greek football after putting in several eye-catching displays at Karaiskakis Stadium so far. He has registered five goals and five assists in 27 appearances for the Greek giants this term across all competitions.
Podence’s form in the UEFA Champions League group-stages has been exceptional this season after he averaged 1.8 shots, 1.5 key passes and 3.0 dribbles per game in Europe this season (stats via whoscored).
He has also represented Portugal at various youth levels but is yet to make a senior appearance for his nation.
What Will The Portuguese Wide Player Bring To The Molineux Stadium?
Nuno Espirito Santo has built a robust Portuguese contingent at the Molineux Stadium over the past few years. The likes of Diogo Jota, Joao Mourinho, Ruben Neves and Ruben Vinagre are all hungry for success under their countrymen, Nuno Santo’s expert tutelage in English football. Hence, Podence shouldn’t have any trouble settling into life at his new club even though he might take some time adjusting to the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League.
Podence boasts blistering pace and is an excellent dribbler with the ball down the wide areas. He shows decent work-rate both on and off the ball and can link up play well with others around him. However, the Portuguese winger needs to improve his productivity in the final third if he wants to succeed at the highest level.
Nuno Santo could be the perfect manager to nurture Podence and help him develop into a world-class player in his position someday. At 24, the Portuguese rising star is about to embark upon the peak years of his playing career which Wolves could look to benefit from in the coming years.
