Newly-promoted Nottingham Forest are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi on a loan deal with an option to buy, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Brazil international could leave the Spanish capital should Sergio Reguilon arrive from Tottenham Hotspur as his replacement.
Nottingham Forest Complete Deal for Renan Lodi Loan
Renan Lodi to Nottingham Forest, here we go! Deal now fully agreed between all parties, personal terms too. It's done and sealed, medical scheduled and documents to be signed on Sunday. 🚨🌳🇧🇷 #NFFC
Forest will pay €5m loan fee to Atletico Madrid – plus €30m buy option #Atleti pic.twitter.com/pUWfomimFz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2022
Another Left-Back for Forest
The signing of Lodi would be Nottingham Forest’s 18th of the summer, and the third left-back, having already added Harry Toffolo and Omar Richards to their squad.
However, a long-term injury to Richards means they need to strengthen in that area of the pitch, making a loan move for Lodi ideal in the short term, and an option to buy could prove useful should he perform well.
At 24 years old, Lodi is already a La Liga winner with Atletico Madrid and has notched up 15 caps for the Brazil national team. It would be something of a coup should Steve Cooper’s side pull this signing off.
Reguilon as a Replacement
For the Lodi deal to go through, Atletico Madrid will need to secure a replacement and are keen on Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon.
The Spaniard grew up in Madrid and starred on loan at Sevilla before moving to Tottenham from Real Madrid, but is set to leave North London two years after he arrived.
Atletico Madrid have already opened talks to explore Sergio Reguilón deal with Tottenham. He's more than appreciated, waiting for developments on Renan Lodi situation. 🔴 #Atleti #THFC
Many clubs are looking for left backs – domino effect next week. pic.twitter.com/6QsPMwc95m
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2022
Strong in Both Boxes
Lodi would slot straight in at left-wingback or even as a left centre-back under Steve Cooper, who has lined up with a three at the back formation in each of their games this season. Strong in the tackle and decisive in the final third, Lodi was a crucial player under Diego Simeone before the form of Yannick Carrasco saw him drop to the bench.
The overall deal, should Forest use the included £25.4 million option to buy would total around £29.6 million. After a summer in which they have already spent nearly £140 million, this would be a statement of intent after returning to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.
Steve Cooper previously stated how he would like a deeper squad to “have the right challenge and the right depth for every position. I don’t want any player thinking they are definitely going to play in the next game; I want them to feel that they’ve got to train really well to get a place in the team.”
Brazilian Flair in Nottingham
Lodi would be just the third Brazilian to ply their trade at The City Ground, after defender Rodrigo Ely and attacker Leo Bonatini in recent years, and given his experience, would be one of their highest profile signings of the summer.
After winning promotion in dramatic style through the play-offs, Forest have enjoyed their return to the top-flight, with victory over West Ham United in their first home match.
Their aim of survival is well within grasp, and with experienced internationals such as Lodi and Remon Freuler linking up with Jesse Lingard and Morgan Gibbs-White, they will prove to be tough hosts for any side who travel to face them.
