Lodi to Nottingham Forest talks progressing as Ronaldo agent weighs in
Jacque Talbot
- 26 Aug 2022 14:44 BST
- 3 min read
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Talks are progressing between Nottingham Forest and Atletico Madrid over a loan deal for Renan Lodi, FootballTransfers is told.
The newly promoted side have called upon superagent Jorge Mendes - intermediary of Cristiano Ronaldo - to use his connections in Spain to seal the move, we understand.
The clubs are discussing a loan deal, with it believed that Atletico want €5 million or more for the wing-back to make the move. Meanwhile, there are deliberations on who will cover what percentage of the player's wages.
Atleti's asking price for a permanent move is €35m.
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Although there have been reports saying otherwise, FootballTransfers' information is that Atletico are not entirely against a loan deal and talks are underway over such a move.
Lodi, who Newcastle and Juventus had looked at previously, is used in rotation by manager Diego Simeone.
The player has ambitions of playing in the upcoming World Cup for Brazil. Despite playing 29 games in La Liga last season, Lodi only managed 1181 minutes on the pitch.
It is thought that a lot could rely on whether Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon will come to the Wanda Metropolitano on loan as a short-term replacement, but Fulham are also keen on the player.
Lodi the defender
Simeone likes to mix things up in formation depending on who he is facing.
As such, Lodi has featured in a variety of positions, each hugging the left-hand touchline.
Though a defender, the 24-year-old is better known as a wing-back, making darting runs forward and even getting inside the box. Indeed, Lodi scored four goals last season for Atletico.
And the player has often talked about just how advanced he likes to get forward.
On his displays for Brazil, Lodi told FIFA.com: “I’m almost another striker! I have more freedom to attack with the Selecao. It’s not like this at my club. I really enjoy it. But with Brazil coach Tite, he asks me to get forward, yes, but to also always maintain my defensive responsibilities.”
Lodi continued: “I played for Atletico Paranaense at every youth level. I was always dreaming of being called up by the Selecao – at U-15, U-17, U-20 and senior level. Every time there were Selecao call-ups at youth level, I’d get my hopes up and be really sad when I wasn’t called up. But I always maintained my focus on turning professional with Atletico Paranaense and, if God wanted, reaching the senior Selecao.”
If Nottingham Forest are successful in landing Lodi, he will be their 17th completed transfer of the summer.
