Al-Shabab have shown interest in signing Daniel Podence from Wolverhampton. The Portuguese star is the latest in the line of players on the wish-list of Saudi Pro League clubs.
As per a report by journalist Gianluigi Longari, Podence is open to leaving Wolverhampton this summer and was also in talks with Olympiacos. However, a move to the Greek club fell through despite spending the previous season there on loan.
He had joined the Premier League side from the Greek club but a return is now off the table. Al Shabab have signed Giacomo Bonaventura, Haroune Camara, Majed Abdullah, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Mohammed Al-Otaibi, and Hamad Al-Khorayef this summer, and they are keen on adding more players.
Wolverhampton are open to letting the Portuguese star leave with manager Gary O’Neil confirming that there chances of his players leaving before the summer window ends. He said:
“The way I manage the group is that I take them as I find them and give them an opportunity to show everyone what they can do. They’ve done that over pre-season, they’ve knuckled down and been great around the place. They’ve worked their socks off. They’ve both got themselves in the best place possible to give themselves an opportunity to impact the Premier League with us this season. As it stands right now, that’s what we’re going to try and do with them.”
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Podence was a substitute in the 2-0 loss to Arsenal on the opening day of the season. The winger was involved in a punching incident in the pre-season game against Como.
O’Neil spoke about the incident and said:
“Channy heard a racist remark, which he was really disappointed with. I spoke to Channy [Hwang] on it, checked whether he wanted me to take the team out, or whether he wanted to come off himself. He was keen that the team carried on and got the work that they needed. But obviously it’s really disappointing, disappointing that we have to talk about it, disappointed that it happened, disappointing that it impacted the game.”
“Not ideal for a pre-season friendly, things like that should never happen. [We’re] proud of the fact that he [Hwang] wanted to carry on and that he put his team first in a difficult moment for him. He knew it was a pre-season trip and he wanted the lads to work and get their minutes, even though he suffered something that he found hugely offensive. Channy will be okay, he’ll get our full support,” he added.
Wolverhampton play Chelsea next in the Premier League this weekend. They face Burnley in the EFL Cup and then Nottingham Forest in the league before the window closes.