Benfica lead race to sign Nottingham Forest loanee Renan Lodi | OneFootball

Primeira Liga champions Benfica are leading the race to sign Atletico Madrid outcast Renan Lodi, according to Relevo.

The Brazilian left-back spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Nottingham Forest, helping Steve Cooper’s side avoid relegation in their maiden campaign in the Premier League.

Lodi made 32 appearances across all competitions and chipped in with a goal and an assist to ensure Forest avoided a swift return to Championship football.

Despite the impressive feat, the 25-year-old is keen to move on from the Midlands club this summer, and Benfica are leading the charge for his signature.

Lodi would have preferred returning to Atletico, but his deteriorated relationship with Diego Simeone means he has no future at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Forest agreed a €30 million optional fee to sign Lodi when he signed on an initial loan deal last summer, and the Tricky Trees were keen on making his stay at City Ground permanent.

However, the player wants to join a club that can offer Champions League football rather than fighting relegation, which tilts the tide in Benfica’s favour.

The Portuguese side are looking to reinforce the left-back department, with Alejandro Grimaldo expected to join Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer.

Benfica president Rui Costa believes that Lodi is the right profile to replace Grimaldo, but nothing has materialised, although the Eagles are in pole position for his signature.

The Portuguese champions are also keen on signing Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez from Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. But a difference in the player’s valuation has proven a stumbling block to a potential deal.

Lodi joined Atletico in 2019 from Athletico Paranaense and has made over 100 appearances for the Colchoneros, but his four-year association with the club is expected to end this summer.