Nottingham Forest transfer target Renan Lodi has now agreed a move to France to sign for Marseille. The player has been on the lookout for a new club after being told he could leave Atletico Madrid.
According to Foot Mercato, the player has now agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 outfit. Lodi will also get his wish of Champions League football, with the French outfit set to enter the qualifying rounds.
Lodi spent last season on loan at Forest and he enjoyed his time at the City Ground. He made 32 appearances for the club and became a mainstay in Steve Cooper’s team that secured Premier League survival with a game to spare.
It’s not a secret that Lodi is wanted back at Forest. Although the club allowed an option to sign him for £25 million expire, it’s thought that was more to do with the Reds hoping to negotiate a better deal.
The 25-year-old has made 16 appearances for his country. He will hold ambitions to become a mainstay on the international stage and he will want his next club to guarantee him first-team football.
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Forest’s decision not to activate the clause on Lodi earlier now looks set to bite them. That said, it’s unlikely that the player would have agreed ahead of that deadline, with the club’s Premier League status still not guaranteed.
Lodi gave his all when he was at Forest. This news will stun the club no doubt but ultimately, this looks like a move that the Brazilian simply couldn’t turn down.
Forest transfer target Lodi close to Marseille move
This is extremely disappointing but not unexpected. Forest were very keen to do a deal for Lodi, although Atletico and Marseille must still agree on a fee.
That proved a stumbling block from a Forest perspective. Atletico were said to want around £20 million, with Forest only willing to pay around £15 million for Lodi.
Forest do have Omar Richards at the club this season. He missed last season through injury but given this Lodi news, he might now get the chance to shine at left-back.
This transfer saga looks set to be drawing to a close. Lodi should be sent best wishes from the Forest fans and he will soon be hoping to help Marseille qualify for the Champions League.