Newcastle United have reignited their interest in Renan Lodi; the Atletico Madrid loanee who could be snapped up this summer should Nottingham Forest suffer relegation.
Speaking exclusively to NUFC Blog, Football Transfers correspondent Jacque Talbot has revealed that head of recruitment Steve Nickson held talks with the 24-year-old’s representatives last year.
Talbot was the first to report on our interest in Lodi almost 18 months ago, revealing that we discussed a move for the left-back prior to Matt Targett’s arrival in January 2022.
A season and a half later, we’re told Dan Ashworth ‘maintains a relationship’ with the player’s camp and could pursue a deal if Nottingham Forest are relegated or decide not to activate their €30m option-to-buy.
It’s thought Newcastle are currently prioritising a move for Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Mitchell Bakker also ‘under consideration’ in our search for a new, attack-minded left-back, but Lodi remains a real one to watch.
Here’s what Talbot told NUFC Blog about our ongoing interest in the 24-year-old:
“As we reported before, Newcastle had looked at Renan Lodi and Steve Nickson held talks with the player’s representatives when he was playing in Madrid.
“Nothing transpired and the club brought in Matt Targett, who has not received much game time this season, with Eddie Howe often using Dan Burn instead.
“The club are now ready to sign a more attack-minded left-back and I hear they still like the look of Lodi, with Newcastle’s sporting director Dan Ashworth maintaining a relationship with the player’s side.
“Newcastle’s priority, though, is Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney ahead of the summer transfer window. Lodi’s focus is very much on Forest at the moment, as the Brazilian has big ambitions of playing for his his national side.
“Forest have an option to sign Lodi for €30m, but they are trying to re-negotiate that fee and accept he’ll return to Atletico Madrid and sign elsewhere if they suffer relegation. It’s likely he remains at the City Ground, but Newcastle have a registered interest.
“It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will look to pounce, with Mitchel Bakker of Bayer Leverkusen also under consideration – a player who is physically strong, tall and technically sound, being able to operate anywhere down the left. The Dutchman is 21 years old and is contracted to the German club until 2026.”
