Daniel Podence’s Olympiacos move raises Celtic questions

The mood around Celtic Park is very positive right now after a Glasgow Derby win away at Ibrox at the weekend. There is a long season ahead though and Brendan Rodgers’ side still need to improve a lot if they are to win the two remaining domestic competitions and make an impact in the Champions League group stages.

Most Celtic fans were not happy with the moves that the club made over the course of the summer transfer window. No marquee additions were made to the team, as they stuck to making ‘project’ signings.

The only one who arrived with some top-level pedigree is Nat Phillips. Even he is only on a season-long loan and was barely featuring at Anfield.

Another player whom Celtic were linked with this summer is Daniel Podence. He was viewed as a potential replacement for Jota, having played at the Premier League level for years. But ultimately, the Hoops ended up signing Luis Palma. Since then, the Portuguese winger has gotten himself a move and the terms of the deal make things interesting.

Podence’s Olympiacos move raises Celtic questions

As tweeted out by Giannis Chorianopoulos, Podence has moved from Wolves to Olympiacos on loan. There is an option to buy clause of €6 million.

Considering the terms of the deal, a move for Podence would have made even sense for Celtic. They could have had the Portuguese winger on loan for a season, in order to decide whether he was a fit. And if he performed well, activating the €6 million clause should not have been a problem either.

There are two reasons why a move might not have worked out. Firstly, Podence might have wanted to join his former club, Olympiacos, and not Celtic. Secondly, the Hoops might have felt that Palma was a better fit than him in Rodgers’ system.