Josh Bowler started the week preparing for Blackpool's clash with Blackburn Rovers - but ends it rubbing shoulders with Real Madrid royalty after joining Olympiacos on loan.
Bowler thrived for the Seasiders after quitting Everton last summer, notching 10 goals and three assists in the Championship. His form attracted the interest of Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest, who have been by far the busiest top-flight side in the transfer market.
Forest were unable to prise Bowler away from Blackpool back in January, but they did manage to finally strike a £4million deadline day deal with the Championship outfit to snap up the 23-year-old after an excellent start to the current campaign.
Somewhat surprisingly, Forest decided to immediately send the winger out on loan to their sister club, Olympiacos - meaning Bowler will be lining up alongside Marcelo, who joined the Greek giants on Friday just months after bringing the curtain down on his trophy-laden career with Real Madrid.
During his illustrious 15-year spell with Los Blancos, Marcelo became the most decorated player in the club's history, winning 25 major titles while playing alongside a host of high-profile players.
But the Brazilian has been searching for a new club after walking away from the Bernabeu at the end of last season.
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Now the full-back, who clocked up over 540 appearances for Real, will join Bowler at Olympiacos after penning an initial one-year deal.
Although Bowler was pursued for months by Forest, Blackpool were keen on retaining the wide-man's services. However, with Bowler due to become a free agent next summer, the Seasiders reluctantly cashed in at the eleventh hour.
Reflecting on his whirlwind switch to Nottingham Forest, via the reigning Greek champions, Bowler bid an emotional farewell to Blackpool in an Instagram statement after the deal had been concluded. The winger, who also had a previous loan stint with Hull City, wrote: “Where do I even start? I’d just like to say it’s been an absolute honour and a privilege to play for this club, to play in front of all of you fans week in, week out.
“You’ve installed the confidence back in me and for that I am forever grateful. This past year has been the best year of my life football wise, both in terms of success and enjoyment and that is all down to Blackpool and you fans.
“From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for everything. I wish this club only good luck and success. See you all soon, Josh.”
