Who Is Daniel Podence? All You Need to Know About Wolves' New Number 10

Wolves have announced the signing of Portuguese attacking midfielder Daniel Podence from Olympiacos.

He's become the eighth Portuguese player to join Nuno Espirito Santo's side, and given how the last few have turned out, it's fair to say that Wolves fans have the right to be very excited.

But just how hyped should they get about their new signing from Greece?

Well read on to find out, as we look at what he's achieved, what he's capable of, and where he can fit in at Molineux...

Who Is He?

Podence is a 24 year-old attacking midfielder/winger who is capable of playing in any of the three positions in behind the striker.

Born in Lisbon, he joined the same Sporting CP academy that brought through Cristiano Ronaldo aged just nine, and made his first team debut nine years later. 

He was then sent out on loan to Moreirense, where he impressed so much that manager Jorge Jesus recalled him after just 14 games.

After establishing himself in the first team he terminated his contract with Sporting following an attack on the club's training ground by hooligans (the same incident that saw current Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio leave too).

From there he moved onto Olympiacos in 2018 to play under Portuguese manager Pedro Martins.

What's He Achieved So Far in His Career?

Given the elite clubs he's played for, it's amazing that Daniel Podence still hasn't won any league titles. Not that there's anything wrong with that - just ask Steven Gerrard.

His time at Sporting came just as Benfica were starting to reassert their dominance in the Primeira Liga, and his spell at Olympiacos came during PAOK's invincible season in the Greek Super League.

He has, however, won two Taca da Ligas and one Taca de Portugal during his time in his home country.

He has also played Champions League football, and inspired Olympiacos to a draw against Spurs, scoring the first as the Greek side came back from 2-0 down.

What Will He Bring to Wolves?

Something Wolves have lacked this season is the creativity to break down sides that sit deep against them. 

Podence will bring that spark into the Wolves midfield, after assisting 14 times during his 18-month period with Olympiacos. He is a player with pace and guile who possesses the ability to beat almost anyone one v one - much like his new teammate Adama Traore (Although Virgil van Dijk might have something to say about that).

The former Portuguese Under-21 international will also bring an eye for goal into the side after scoring 13 times in his brief stint in Greece.

This will be crucial as picking up points against the smaller teams is just as important if Wolves seriously want to push for a Champions League place this season.

Why Is He Joining Wolves?

Podence has been linked with a move to the Premier League with teams like Arsenal in the past, but the Portuguese connection may just have been the clincher for Wolves in the race for his signature. 

He knows the likes of Ruben Neves, Rui Patricio and Diogo Jota already, while his managed Nuno Espiritio Santo is also from the Iberian country.

In his first interview with the club he stated: “That [the high number of Portuguese players at Molineux] was one of reasons I chose Wolverhampton.

“I think that’s going to be a big help for me to adapt to English football, which is challenging and it’s really good to have well known faces around.”

Podence will be hoping to get enough game time with his compatriots to force himself into Portugal's squad for the Euros this summer.

If he fires his new club to Champions League qualification, he'll almost certainly earn himself a spot on the plane.