Olympiacos fans have been anxious and impatient regarding the return of last season's loanees Andre Horta and star winger Daniel Podence. The midfielder from Braga should have been in Greece by now if we followed reports from Greek media, instead we find out that the deal was cancelled due in part to priority for Daniel Podence. Unfortunately, Daniel Podence's situation has not been exactly transparent either.
From the existence of a buyout clause to the demands of Wolves, it has never been clear what the situation is regarding how Olympiacos can secure Danny for the upcoming season. The only thing that is clear is that Podence constantly posts about the UEFA Europa Conference League victory and his nostalgia for what he did in Greece. I guess we also should not forget he was the best winger in the Greek Superleague.
The situation has become more dire given that Olympiacos was unable to retain the services of 2 very important figures of last season. CB David Carmo of Porto is not only staying with the Portuguese giants but Porto denied the presence of any offer from Olympiacos that Greek media reported. Captain Kostas Fortounis did not sign a new contract and is set to sign for a Saudi Arabian club. This has created a new pressure to retain Horta and Podence, especially with concerns over the team's creativity in the final third. In particular, Fortounis and Podence accounted for 51 goals combined for Olympiacos. Failing to secure at least Podence would mean a reduced probability of goal output on paper.
The latest information we received regarding Podence would not make fans feel much better. Wolves indeed do have an asking price, 10 million euros. As of August 9th, 2024 they are not likely to budge from that figure. Furthermore, Wolves have not received an offer tabled by Olympiacos for Podence. Our sources also tell us that Podence, contrary to what is reported in Greek media, has not stated to the organization that he will "only return to play for Olympiacos". The player has not provided any preference to the club of where he prefers to play. It is all but sure though that he will leave Wolves this summer despite his promising preseason. Additionally while Danny's contract ends in June 2025, Wolves have an option to extend his contract until 2026. Our sources tell us that Wolves are unlikely to activate this but they are not afraid to use it for leverage against Olympiacos or any team that comes hunting for the Portuguese winger. Fortunately, there has not been much appetite from other teams for Podence's signature. Aside from Saudi interest that has not yet materialized a real offer, the only other interest besides Olympiacos has been from Leeds. Our sources tell us that the Championship do not have the financial resources within FFP limits to spend 10 million on Danny among other needs. Olympiacos is in no rush to make a deal. Its first official match in Greece is over a week away and first UEFA Europa League match is in the end of September. If it's possible, let's try and be logical regarding Olympiacos's position and where the market stands at the moment. We have one more friendly before Mendilibar makes his final cuts and we know what final holes need to be filled. There also is over 3 weeks before the end of the transfer window. The sentiment in Greece continues to be that he will sign for Olympiacos and this is very believable. The likelihood is that the deal will be done closer to the end of the window and it is not a stretch to believe that the clubs will split the difference by the end at around 7-7.5 million euros.
As frustrating as this is, we need to have patience and see what the end of the window brings us. August is typically the month that Olympiacos does the most business and the squad is near completion. If the friendlies have told us anything, we have an identity, the power of our talented youth, and a continuation of our relentless pressing scheme. Podence, a LB, Horta, and maybe a more experienced CB is all this team needs to be ready to go.
Keep the faith Red & White fans, there's still plenty of transfer summer to go.
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