Atlético close in on Renan Lodi, left-back set for this week | OneFootball

Atlético is close to announcing a major reinforcement for next season. Galo is negotiating the signing of left-back Renan Lodi, 27, who is a free agent after leaving Al Hilal, from Saudi Arabia. According to journalists Guilherme Frossard and Hugo Lobão, the club and the player have already agreed on all contractual terms, and the deal is expected to be made official later this week.

According to reports, only bureaucratic issues remain before the contract can be signed. Internally, the expectation is that Renan Lodi will be announced between today and tomorrow, being treated behind the scenes as a “Christmas present” for Atlético fans, as part of the board’s plan to strengthen the squad.

Renan Lodi left Al Hilal in September this year, unilaterally, after not being registered for the Saudi League. The situation, however, led to an ongoing legal dispute. At the time, the Saudi club stated that it would take all appropriate legal measures to protect its rights, since the left-back was under contract until mid-2027. Atlético is monitoring the legal situation but believes it does not prevent the deal from moving forward, as the player is protected by FIFA in this matter.

Revealed by Athletico-PR, Lodi rose to prominence in Brazilian football before being sold to Atlético de Madrid in 2019. At the Spanish club, he experienced the best moment of his career, with three seasons of strong performances and call-ups to the Brazilian National Team. Later, he was loaned to Nottingham Forest in England, played for Marseille in France, and was eventually transferred to Al Hilal in 2024.

The possible arrival of Renan Lodi also raises questions about the future of Guilherme Arana. A club idol, the left-back is being targeted by several teams in this transfer window. So far, Fluminense appears to be the main club interested in signing the player for next season, which could speed up moves in this area.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.