Newcastle United are reportedly lining up an audacious €100 million double raid on Atletico Madrid for wing-back duo Renan Lodi and Yannick Carrasco.
After roping in Kieran Trippier in January, Newcastle United are looking to turn La Liga giants Atletico Madrid into their favourite hunting ground in the upcoming summer transfer window, Spanish publication MARCA reporting that the Magpies are in contention to secure an ambitious double swoop worth €100 million for Atletico Madrid duo Renan Lodi and Yannick Carrasco.
Newcastle’s rise up the Premier League table has been a fascinating watch this season. They were in the relegation zone when Eddie Howe took over, and five months later, they finished 11th, in a pretty respectable mid-table position.
Their success has been largely due to their ability to recruit smarter, and having funds readily available helped as well. Most of those January recruits have had a significant impact on Newcastle’s growth and mindset, particularly Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes, who have elevated the standards at St. James’ Park, as well as Newcastle’s status in the transfer market.
Despite signing Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa in January and seeing him put in some stellar defensive performances, Newcastle could yet turn their backs when it comes to turning the Englishman’s stay permanent as Howe aims to bring in a younger, more athletic and forward-thinking offensive full-back. Whispers are growing louder by the day when it comes to their interest in Atletico Madrid’s Renan Lodi.
Lodi has gone from strength to strength since joining Atletico Madrid from Athletico Paranaense in 2019 and has been a regular starter for Diego Simeone’s side, making 118 appearances for them. The Brazilian full-back enjoys a good relationship with his compatriot, Guimaraes, and former Atletico Madrid teammate, Trippier, who could be Newcastle’s secret weapon for this pursuit.
The Brazilian international would prove to be an excellent addition to the Newcastle United squad, with the report claiming that the Magpies could make a tempting offer of around €40 million, forcing the Rojiblancos to reconsider their original stance as they require funds to reinvest in their squad.
However, it appears Lodi is not the only Atletico player on Newcastle’s radar, with the club rekindling their interest in Belgian winger Carrasco after a failed January pursuit. The versatile Belgian international is in his second spell with the La Liga giants and has been in productive form, directly involved in 33 goals since returning to the Spanish capital in early 2020.
Targeting someone of Carrasco’s pedigree, who has 54 Belgium caps and has played at the highest of levels, is certainly ambitious and one that perfectly reflects the trajectory the club intends to take in the coming seasons. Thus, if Newcastle United are able to bring him to St. James’ Park, he would be viewed as a major coup and could potentially transform Newcastle’s left flank.
While Diego Simeone is unlikely to sanction Carrasco’s exit, if any team exercises the Belgian’s €60 million release clause, El Cholo may find himself in a powerless position to prevent him from leaving the La Liga giants. Furthermore, the player’s new agent is looking for a better salary prospect, which would make things easier for Newcastle when it comes to personal terms. A €100 million double raid on Atletico could well be on the cards.
