A big Newcastle United update has emerged regarding their pursuit of Atletico Madrid defender Renan Lodi heading into the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
Speaking on his YouTube channel (via Sport Witness), Brazilian journalist André Hernan has revealed that the Magpies ‘should’ sign the left-back ahead of next season.
He has claimed that talks are ongoing and at an advanced stage between PIF and Atletico Madrid, with the Tyneside club in a ‘strong’ position to make him one of their first signings of the summer.
This comes after a report last month claiming that the Magpies will present an offer in the region €25m (£21m) for the full-back.
Howe will be buzzing
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe will surely be buzzing with this news, as it strongly suggests that he will have the chance to work with Lodi at Darsley Park next season.
Do Newcastle need another left-back?
The left-back is a young player with potential who has also experienced plenty of football at the top level, which would make him an exciting addition for the club if they can get a deal for him over the line.
At the age of 24, he is still a few years away from the peak of his career, so the Toon would be bringing in a player with scope for development. He is someone with whom Howe could work on the training pitch to improve his performances and, in turn, increase his value for a possible sale in the future.
Lodi also has plenty of experience under his belt. The full-back has played 39 times across La Liga and the Champions League this season, after featuring on 31 occasions in those competitions last term. This shows that he knows what it takes to perform at the very top level in Europe, which should stand him in good stead with adapting to the Premier League.
Howe would also love what the 24-year-old would offer in the final third. Among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Lodi ranks in the 90th percentile or higher for assists, attacking touches, progressive passes received and non-penalty goals per 90, as per FBRef.
He has shown that he can provide a big threat in the final third whilst playing at left-back, and the Newcastle head coach would surely love to have a defender who can help turn his team into a progressive, forward-thinking side. Therefore, the ex-Cherries boss will be buzzing with PIF’s work on closing in on a deal for the Brazilian.
AND in other news, Howe can land the next Shearer as Newcastle “prepares” £59m bid for 68-goal “diamond”…
