Daniel Podence has completed a permanent move to Saudi Pro League Al-Shabab.
The Portuguese ends a four-and-a-half-year association with Wolves, for whom he finishes with 108 appearances and 16 goals, having joined the club from Olympiacos in January 2020.
Signed by Nuno Espirito Santo during the club’s Europa League campaign, the wide man slowly integrated himself and scored a first goal on the penultimate day of the season against Crystal Palace.
Injuries disrupted Podence’s first full season at Molineux, but it did bring a first senior Portugal cap, while he enjoyed his best season for numbers – six goals and three assists – across 2021/22 under Bruno Lage.
Having helped the club to Premier League survival – scoring on Julen Lopetegui’s Premier League debut at Everton and a crucial equaliser at Nottingham Forest – the 28-year-old would spend last season out on loan.
Following a year back at his former club Olympiacos, Podence returned to the Old Gold fore this summer and featured in the first Premier League games, as well as Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie, but now departs for a fresh challenge in Saudi Arabia.
Sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “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.”
