Premier League newbies Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for the signing of Renan Lodi. They will reportedly pay an initial €5m loan fee for his services, with a €30 option-to-buy at the end of the season. The player is yet to agree on personal terms with the English club.
Renan Lodi, 24, played a key role in Atletico Madrid’s La Liga triumph during 2020/21, registering two goals and as many assists in 29 appearances. However, the Brazilian left-back has lost his place in the starting XI this term and is yet to play a single minute so far.
Now it looks like Atletico boss Diego Simeone has given his blessing for Lodi’s exit, with the Spanish giants closing in on Tottenham Hotspur’s Sergio Reguilon. Should a move for the 24-year-old go through, he will become Nottingham Forest’s 19th signing of the summer transfer window.
Forest have shown great ambition in the transfer window after achieving promotion to the Premier League in May. They have snapped up the likes of Jesse Lingard, Neco Williams, Morgan Gibbs-White, Wayne Hennessey, Cheikhou Kouyate and Taiwo Awoniyi among a host of new players, as Steve Cooper looks to make a mark on the Premier League and battle for survival.
Renan Lodi would be a coup for Nottingham Forest
Steve Cooper has used a back three system in the Premier League, with Harry Toffolo and Neco Williams operating as wing-backs. Due to his system, he is demanding more defensive recruits before the transfer window. And the long-term injury to Omar Richards has accentuated the need for a new left-back/wing-back to compete with Toffolo.
Thus, Forest’s interest in Renan Lodi makes complete sense. Lodi joined Atletico Madrid from Athletico Paranaense in 2019 and has gone on to make close to 120 appearances, winning the La Liga two seasons ago. He is also a full Brazilian international and will be expected to make the cut in Tite’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Lodi is comfortable playing as a left-back or left wing-back, but operating from the latter position gives him the license to go forward and get involved more in build-up play, as evidenced by his displays at Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian will offer a different dynamic to that of Toffolo, whilst adding much-needed depth in that position.
Cooper’s side have made some impressive moves this summer, yet Lodi would be the cream of the crop if the Premier League newcomers are able to get a deal over the line. Lodi has solid experience of playing at the highest level, and if Forest are able to secure his services, then it would represent a massive coup for them.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
