Nottingham Forest have some key areas to address this summer in preparation for the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Head coach Steve Cooper will look to strengthen his squad in the coming weeks, with ins and outs expected once the transfer window officially opens on Wednesday. Sorting out the left-back situation will be among the Reds’ top priorities.
Renan Lodi impressed on loan from Atletico Madrid last term, but getting him back appears to be tricky. Monza’s Carlos Augusto has also been linked. We take a look at the situation so far.
READ MORE: How Forest could line up next season as key summer transfers eyed
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Lodi’s situation
The Brazilian was an important member of the side as Forest clinched Premier League survival. Once he found his feet in English football, he was a consistent performer in the Garibaldi and made the left-back spot his own.
Bringing him back to the City Ground would be the ideal scenario, but that seems to be a difficult deal to do. For a start, a growing list of clubs have been credited with an interest, while his personal circumstances could also have an impact.
Reports from Spain have suggested the option to buy clause which was included in Lodi’s loan deal with the Reds needed to be triggered by March for it to count. That didn’t happen, with Forest said to be keen to renegotiate the 30 million euros (£26m) fee.
Price tag and who is interested
Marca have said Atletico have set their base price at 30m euros, a figure which the Reds are “not willing” to pay. Various reports have stated the Spanish side would be willing to allow Lodi to leave, and there seems to be no shortage of suitors.
Newcastle United, Benfica, Corinthians, Santos, Palmeiras, Flamengo and Atletico Paranense have all been linked. As for Lodi’s preference, conflicting reports have emerged, with some suggesting he wants Champions League football and others claiming a return to Brazil hasn’t been ruled out. Over the weekend, it was claimed Benfica had begun negotiations.
What Lodi has said
The 25-year-old hinted he would not be returning Trentside when he posted on Instagram after the final game of the season. He wrote: "Last game with this special club, that received me with kindness and professionalism. I would like to thank every one, employees, athletes and fans, for all your support. I will always be Red! @officialnffc."
That came after he had taken an extra moment to celebrate with the away fans after the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. By the time he walked off the pitch, he had donated most of his kit to Forest supporters, in what appeared to be a farewell gesture. He had previously spoken about the challenges of being away from his newborn son, who was born in Brazil, for a period of time during the season.
Augusto option
In light of the challenges surrounding recruiting Lodi on a permanent basis, the Reds have been looking at alternatives. Augusto is one who has been heavily linked - but, again, there is competition for his signature.
Price tag and who is interested
The Monza man is said to be valued at about £8m. In addition to Forest, Inter Milan and Juventus have been linked. The latter are said to be considering including Matias Soule as part of their offer.
Some reports have suggested Monza are maintaining the player is not currently for sale. But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said Inter would be expected to “continue talks” for the 24-year-old this week, with “no issues on personal terms”. He added that the Italian side “are now ahead” of the Reds in chasing his signature.
Other options
Romano has previously said Augusto was one of three names on Forest’s left-back list. But might they have a solution already in their ranks?
They will no doubt hope Omar Richards can have a part to play next term. The former Bayern Munich defender is yet to make his debut after last summer’s move due to being sidelined with a hairline fracture of the leg.
The Reds also have Harry Toffolo on the books, while Neco Williams is capable of playing on that flank. Richards’ fitness may have an impact on their plans, however.
What has been said
On Lodi, Cooper has said: “We should just talk about what Renan has given us. Even today (against Palace), he has played the first half with a groin strain and had to come off at half-time.
“Renan has gone through an emotional time with the birth of his son during the international break and only seeing him for a couple of days. It’s his story to tell, but I know he did let people know.
“For him to show the focus and the commitment he has, with not seeing his newborn… As a father myself, I would have found that incredibly tough. In fact, I don’t know if I could have done it.
“For him to do what he’s done, and give the club what he’s given, I’m just really proud to have worked with him. It just shows how much this club can get people to buy into it, because it’s so special.
“I’ve got a lot of admiration for Renan forever. But now is not the time to be talking about what may be next, now is the time to reflect on the game and the season.”
On filling key positions, Cooper has said: "I think there will be more normal numbers (of signings). There will be a natural process of assessment at the end of the season of where you think you're at and how you improve.
“This season has been completely unique; we've done something that's never been done before. We’ve done it and have allowed ourselves to stay in the Premier League and the opportunity to grow, and now it's a little bit different to last year and a bit more normal.
“But some of the key players for us this year were loans (in Keylor Navas, Dean Henderson and Renan Lodi) and in key positions, so there’s some obvious areas that will be part of the progression. But then there’s other little projects throughout the team, with players like Morgan (Gibbs-White), Brennan (Johnson), Neco (Williams) and Danilo, young players who have had regular Premier League games for the first time. We have to think about how we grow them next year and how they can keep improving.”
On Richards’ fitness, the last update from the manager was: "Omar is still getting close. He's not back training with us yet.”
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