Journalist Fabrizio Romano has expressed his surprise as Nottingham Forest are now just ‘one step away’ from signing Brazilian international left-back Renan Lodi, with personal terms currently being discussed.
Forest have stormed into the Premier League season and the transfer market after spending an incredible £136.85m according to Transfermarkt.
Despite spending such a ludicrous amount on their return to the top flight, it looks like they are not done there, as they have now moved closer to a move for Lodi, who has become surplus to requirements at Atletico Madrid.
Romano revealed, despite Atletico previously claiming Lodi was ‘untouchable’ when Manchester City enquired about his services, they have now come to an agreement for a loan deal that’ll see their left-back join the Premier League.
Romano said: “This is really surprising, guys, because in July, Manchester City, you remember they were looking for a left-back after missing out on [Marc] Cucurella, and so Renan Lodi was an option from Atletico Madrid.
“It was a no, he’s untouchable, he’s going to stay, no way for any proposal, and now, they’re accepting a loan deal for Renan Lodi. Why? Because the player wants to change, he wants to be an important player, he wants to find some game time. He loves Atletico Madrid, but he needs to play.
“And he knows that this season is not easy for him in the competition [for a place] in [Diego] Simeone’s team, and so this is why Renan Lodi is close to Nottingham Forest.
“There is an agreement reached between Nottingham Forest and Atletico Madrid – loan for €5m fee; buy option not mandatory, €30m. Personal terms are being discussed, but Renan Lodi is one step away from joining Nottingham Forest.”
TIF Thoughts on Lodi to Forest…
Forest have already added to their wing-back options this summer with the addition of Liverpool starlet Neco Williams, so adding Lodi to this will give the side one of the most interesting and talented young cores in the league.
Lodi has impressed in the Spanish capital, especially last season, where he picked up four goals and six assists across all competitions. He also showed his attacking ability, as according to FBref, he ranks in the 98th percentile for progressive passes received, in the 95th for non-penalty goals and in the 91st for assists, compared to other fullbacks in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.
Picking up a player from another league is always a risk, but with this being just a loan deal with an option to buy, it feels like an incredible coup from Forest, so we are not surprised Romano has been taken slightly aback by this deal.
We feel they are getting a hugely talented 24-year-old, who can get him for just €30m (£25.4m) if it works out, and if it doesn’t, they can send him back without taking a big hit.
This could be one of the signings of the season if Forest pull it off, but we will have to wait and see.
Will Lodi shine at Forest?Yes
No
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