EXCLUSIVE: Renan Lodi future up in air with Atletico Madrid return off the cards

Jacque Talbot

21 May 2023 14:05 BST
3 min read

Renan Lodi, Atletico Madrid, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Renan Lodi’s future is up in the air as the option-to-buy clause Nottingham Forest have for the left-back has expired, FootballTransfers can confirm.

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As exclusively revealed by this publication last year, Lodi signed terms for a move to the Premier League outfit in the summer with the Midlands club paying an initial £5million and having the option of another £25m to make the move permanent.

We understand, as reported elsewhere, that that clause is no longer valid. Club sources at Forest have spoken of their intention to put an offer in for Lodi, and the general feeling is that his parent club, Atletico Madrid, would be willing to accept a lower price than what was agreed in August.

Lodi will not return to Atletico when the season is up and will be open to offers away from the Spanish capital. The player thoroughly enjoys playing for Steve Cooper’s side but has always had ambitions of playing in the Champions League.

Lodi - who was seen crying on the pitch after Forest’s win over Arsenal - has been a key player for Forest this season and their fight for survival. The club are keen to keep hold of him for the following term - something he is very much open to, while no rival offers have been forthcoming so far.

As we reported previously, Forest will look to negotiate a lower fee than what the clause was. The club knew of the contract's validity and feel they would be able to find a lower price for the player.

Exc: Forest - told Renan Lodi’s future at club continues to largely depend on their Premier League status next season - but the side still may negotiate a fee down of what was agreed for the option-to-buy - €30m
— Jacque Talbot (@jac_talbot) March 21, 2023

Forest survive

Forest managed to survive in the Premier League following their win over Arsenal at the City ground on Saturday. Their 1-0 win over the Gunners secured another Premier League campaign for Forest thanks to Taiwo Awoniyi's goal.

Furthermore, we understand that quite a number of Forest players are set to leave the club next month following the end of their contract