According to The Mirror, Celtic are leading the race to sign Wolves star Daniel Podence ahead of the summer transfer window.
Podence, 24, spent two years at the academy of CF Belenenses before joining Sporting Lisbon. Having risen through Sporting’s youth system, he was sent on loan to Moreirense to develop himself with regular game time. However, after spending one and a half seasons with the Portuguese outfit since his return, the winger was picked up by Olympiakos Piraeus.
He excelled with the Greek giants, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists in 68 appearances for the club. Last January, Wolves signed him for £17m but the winger has been deprived of regular game time. Thus, Celtic should make a move for him this summer and add depth to their attacking ranks.
The hoops endured a successful campaign as they went on to lift the Premiership title for the 9th time in a row. Neil Lennon has managed to get the best out of his players and create a huge gap between them and second-placed Rangers.
However, with the new season approaching, the manager should look to maintain their dominance and fight for their 10th consecutive title. And this can be done only if there is depth in every area. Thus, he should bring in reinforcements to several key areas at the earliest.
Despite having a strong squad, Celtic have limited options in the wide areas. Mohammed Elyounoussi and Mickey Johnston the two players available on the left side of the attack whereas, Maryan Shved is the only option on the right wing.
Moreover, Elyounoussi is on loan from Southampton and could be on his way back to St. Mary’s Stadium in a year’s time. Johnston looks to be a decent winger after making 11 appearances this season, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists, but Shved has not been convincing so far. Thus, signing a winger in the summer would do them a world of good.
In that regard, Podence would be a viable option for the club. Though he has failed to impress in the Premier League due to a lack of game time, the Portuguese was at his best with Olympiakos. In his debut season with the Greek giants, he managed to rack up 5 goals and 8 assists in the league and continued with the fine form this term, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists in just 15 league games.
His inclusion to Lennon’s squad would definitely boost the squad depth, whilst also bringing healthy competition within the squad. And he could be a key player for the Hoops as he is capable of operating from either flank.
At 24, he has a huge future ahead of him and under the guidance of Lennon, Podence could develop himself. At the same time, with a lack of options, Celtic are in need of wingers. And the former Sporting man could provide them with depth and quality next season. Thus, the Scottish giants should lure him to Celtic Park this summer.
