Wolves star Daniel Podence has become a European champion, after Olympiacos triumphed in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Wednesday night.
The star on loan from Molineux started against Fiorentina in the final, and was looking to add to his 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions in 2023/24.
It has been a tremendous season for Podence back at his former club, and the 28-year-old has often been the standout performer in games for the Greek giants.
Podence headed back to Olympiacos after Wolves could not actually find a buyer for him last summer. The plan had been to offload him permanently. But suitable offers were not forthcoming.
In the end, Wolves decided to sanction a loan move, and extend his Wolves contract in the process to protect his value.
Daniel Podence wins the Europa Conference League to round off a top season away from Wolves
On Wednesday night, Olympiacos took on Italian side Fiorentina at the OPAP Arena in Greece, and ran out 1-0 winners.
They needed extra-time, and it was striker Ayoub El Kaabi who got the goal for Olympiacos. With just five minutes remaining in the game, he stooped to turn in a header at the near post after a cross from the left side.
It sent Olympiacos fans wild, and the team then held out for the victory.
It is the first major European title in their history, having previously only won the Balkans Cup in 1963.
Podence did not have a particularly impactful final against Fiorentina. As per Sofascore, he contested 17 duels and won only five of them, and he was a little wayward with his passing, completing just 19/31 (61%). None of the three dribbles he attempted were successful.
But Podence will care little for his statistics given the season he has had and the fact he’s ending the season with a trophy to his name.
What a season for Podence
So Podence has capped off his fine season with a European trophy.
He may not have had his best game in the final, but Podence can certainly be pleased with his performances this season.
He was a key man for Olympiacos and 28 goal involvements is impressive going. Olympiacos’ sporting director said recently that he wanted to keep Podence at the club, and it is hard to imagine him not wanting to stay there after the year he’s had.
The expectation is that the £17 million man will indeed be leaving Molineux this summer. He has already suggested how happy he is at Olympiacos.
It is just about whether Wolves can secure the right fee from Olympiacos. Should they be unable to meet Wolves’ asking price, it may well be that another club comes calling after seeing his exploits in 2023/24.
Some Wolves fans have been wondering whether Podence could be brought back into the picture at Wolves. But it would obviously depend on him wanting to stay, with Gary O’Neil having been very clear that players will be moved on if they don’t.