With barely a month gone, Nottingham Forest’s summer window has been dominated by the Dean Henderson transfer saga.
But the past few weeks - and recent days, in particular - have seen more twists and turns regarding another former Reds loanee than any of the talk surrounding the Manchester United goalkeeper. Just when it looked as though a return for Renan Lodi seemed doubtful, fresh hope has emerged.
Bringing the defender back to the City Ground still appears to be tough. But if Forest have learned anything in recent years, it is to not be left pondering what might have been where loan players are concerned.
There was a fresh reminder on that front over the weekend courtesy of Morgan Gibbs-White and his teasing Instagram post which seemed to suggest “bringing back” James Garner. The Reds didn’t manage to secure the midfielder on a permanent basis last summer - in no small part because of Manchester United keeping them hanging - and will be wary of the same happening again with Henderson.
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But they also won’t want to be left with any transfer regret over Lodi. And that is why he is a signing worth pushing for.
It would need to be for the right fee, of course. Attempting to lower the 30 million euros (£25m) figure which made up Forest’s option to buy as part of last season’s loan deal makes sense. FFP is at the forefront of the Reds’ mind this summer, and they do have a few positions they need to strengthen. However, amid reports other teams keen on Lodi are struggling to match Atletico Madrid’s price tag, there could be an opportunity for Forest.
Lodi was a well-liked member of the squad last term. His English really progressed during his time at the club, as did his contribution on the pitch. After something of a shaky start, he went on to become a key member of the team and a regular in the starting XI.
With his agent having said the Brazilian is eager for Champions League football, securing his signature would not be straight forward for the Reds. They may not be able to offer him a European stage to shine on, but Lodi will know owner Evangelos Marinakis is very ambitious and the club are eager to establish themselves in the top-flight.
Adding to the intrigue over the left-back spot is the situation surrounding Omar Richards. Can he be first-choice in that position? Head coach Steve Cooper will want to make sure the former Bayern Munich man is physically and mentally ready for the new campaign first; the Forest boss won’t underestimate just how difficult it can be for players coming back from such long spells on the sidelines.
Richards has the potential to be the cliched “like a new signing”, though. He was an exciting addition when he joined 12 months ago, and there is a real buzz about what he might be able to offer now.
Nevertheless, it would still be worth making a concerted effort to bag Lodi. Whether or not he ends up back on the banks of the Trent, he has left big boots to fill.
