Report: Newcastle wanted to sign £25m man before he joined Forest but felt deal was too risky

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According to The Athletic, Newcastle wanted to sign Renan Lodi before he joined Nottingham Forest, but felt the deal was too much of a risk.

What’s the story?

Well, it is said that Eddie Howe considered a move for the Brazil international before deciding to re-sign Matt Targett.

The Athletic believe Newcastle had a look at the attack-minded South American, but felt that the overall cost of the deal – and the time it would take for him to adapt to English football – put them off.

Eventually, Lodi joined Nottingham Forest on loan for the 2022/23 campaign, and Steve Cooper holds an option to buy the left-back for a sum of £25m in 2023.

The 24-year-old made his Premier League debut in unfortunate circumstances as Nottingham Forest suffered a 6-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, where Cooper handed him 69 minutes of action.

Nevertheless, it is an impressive signing by the Championship play-off final winners, given the fact that Lodi was playing Champions League football for Atlético Madrid last season while being a key man for Diego Simeone.

The Nottingham Forest No.32 made 42 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish giants last term.

Newcastle were right to leave Renan Lodi to Nottingham Forest

In our view, Newcastle made the right decision regarding Lodi.

Targett was superb during his loan spell from Aston Villa last season, and he represents a bargain addition for just £12m.

The Newcastle No.13 is a brilliant defender – who won the Player of the Season award at Villa Park in 2021 – and at the age of just 26, he could definitely become an England international during his time on Tyneside.

Of course, Lodi is an excellent footballer, but if Newcastle felt the package to sign him was too expensive, then it makes far more sense to pick up Targett in a cheaper deal.