Sorting out the left-back situation will be crucial for Nottingham Forest this summer as they aim to kick on in the Premier League.
Getting Renan Lodi back on a permanent basis would be the ideal solution, after he impressed last season. That will be tricky to do, but the latest reports suggest it is not completely out of the question.
Since the Brazilian’s loan spell came to an end, there has been plenty of talk about what might be next - both for the defender and for Forest. We take a look at what has been said so far.
Lodi’s loan
Once he found his feet in the Premier League, the 25-year-old was a consistent performer for Steve Cooper’s side. He played a key role in helping the Reds retain their top-flight status as he made the left-back spot his own.
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A regular in the starting XI, the Atletico Madrid loanee made 33 appearances in all competitions. His only goal came in November, against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.
Reports from Spain have suggested the option to buy clause which was included in Lodi’s loan deal with the Reds needed to be triggered by March for it to count. That didn’t happen, with Forest said to be keen to renegotiate the 30 million euros (£26m) fee.
Price tag and who is interested
Marca have said Atletico have set their base price at 30m euros, a figure which the Reds are “not willing” to pay. Various reports have stated the Spanish side would be willing to allow Lodi to leave, and there seems to be no shortage of suitors.
Newcastle United, Benfica, Corinthians, Santos, Palmeiras, Flamengo and Athletico Paranense have all been linked. Lodi used the latter’s facilities to keep fit during the off-season, having come up through the ranks there before his move to Spain in 2019, but a return to his Brazilian homeland has been ruled out for now.
Agent speaks out
“Renan's goal is to compete at the highest level,” his agent, Pablo Miranda told GE last month, in a translated interview. “Made 32 appearances in the toughest league in the world. Many Brazilian players suffer in their first season in England and end up not playing. Renan was instrumental in Nottingham's stay in the Premier League and has everyone's recognition for what he did during that season. That said, his goal is to continue playing in high-level competitions, if possible, return to the Champions League and compete for titles again.”
Miranda said the defender wants to go back to Athletico Paranaense in the future and has a desire to raise his son in Brazil. However, for now he looks set to remain in Europe.
“Renan has three more years on his contract with Atletico Madrid,” he said. “At first he represents himself with the Atletico Madrid group to fulfil his contract.
“Everyone knows how fond Renan is for Athletico and for the city. And every year since he left, there's been this speculation that he's coming back. I want to say that it is practically impossible for him to return to Athletico or Brazilian football.
“Emotion in this case comes second. Renan is building his family, he has a house in Curitiba and everyone already knows that one day he will return to Athletico and live here. But, above all, he is a professional and knows his obligations to Atletico Madrid.
“Atletico Madrid made a big investment in his purchase, which still impacts the club's budget. The accounting rules of the Spanish League are very strict. In this way, the only way for him to leave Atletico is to be sold. And the values to carry out this business are prohibitive for any Brazilian club.”
Forest hope?
According to Premier League Brasil, the Reds haven’t completely given up on Lodi returning. They are said to be still in “contact” over a potential permanent move, although the chances of it happening are described as “not great”. The report also suggests Atletico Madrid will not be open to another loan deal.
What Lodi has said
The 25-year-old hinted he would not be returning Trentside when he posted on Instagram after the final game of the season. He wrote: "Last game with this special club, that received me with kindness and professionalism. I would like to thank every one, employees, athletes and fans, for all your support. I will always be Red! @officialnffc."
That came after he had taken an extra moment to celebrate with the away fans after the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. By the time he walked off the pitch, he had donated most of his kit to Forest supporters, in what appeared to be a farewell gesture. He had previously spoken about the challenges of being away from his newborn son, who was born in Brazil, for a period of time during the season.
What Cooper has said
The Reds head coach was coy on Lodi’s future, when speaking after the final game of the campaign. Instead, he preferred to reflect on the player’s contribution.
“We should just talk about what Renan has given us,” he said at the time. “Even today (against Palace), he has played the first half with a groin strain and had to come off at half-time.
“Renan has gone through an emotional time with the birth of his son during the international break and only seeing him for a couple of days. It’s his story to tell, but I know he did let people know.
“For him to show the focus and the commitment he has, with not seeing his newborn… As a father myself, I would have found that incredibly tough. In fact, I don’t know if I could have done it.
“For him to do what he’s done, and give the club what he’s given, I’m just really proud to have worked with him. It just shows how much this club can get people to buy into it, because it’s so special.
“I’ve got a lot of admiration for Renan forever. But now is not the time to be talking about what may be next, now is the time to reflect on the game and the season.”
Potential alternatives
It remains to be seen whether Cooper can call upon Omar Richards for the upcoming campaign. The former Bayern Munich defender is yet to make his debut after last summer’s move due to being sidelined with a hairline fracture of the leg, but will hope to soon get the chance to stake his claim for a spot.
The Reds also have Harry Toffolo on the books, while Neco Williams is capable of playing on that flank. They have been linked with other left-backs, however, including Monza’s Carlos Augusto.
