Crystal Palace and West Ham United are reportedly keen on sealing a bargain deal for 27-year-old Brazilian international Renan Lodi, who has become a free agent since leaving Al-Hilal.
According to an update by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Crystal Palace and West Ham United are interested in Renan Lodi. The update is surprising, considering the two London clubs have stacked full-back units. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old has emerged as a target for the Premier League outfits for a bargain move, having become a free agent last month after leaving Al-Hilal.
Renan Lodi and his career so far
Renan Lodi has endured a topsy-turvy ride since leaving Atletico Madrid. The South American full-back is a native of Serrana, and he spent his formative years in Brazil, rising through the ranks at Club Athletico Paranaense before breaking into the first-team squad at the Serie B club.
The 27-year-old spent several years with Atletico Madrid before losing prominence under Diego Simeone. Since then, Lodi has embarked on short spells with Nottingham Forest, Marseille, and Al-Hilal, and he has struggled to land on his feet.
The Brazilian international has become a free agent after mutually agreeing to terminate his deal with Al-Hilal. The update has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, and a return to the Premier League may be on the cards, with Crystal Palace and West Ham United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Premier League return on the horizon?
Crystal Palace’s interest in Renan Lodi is surprising. The South London outfit enjoyed a solid summer transfer window despite losing Eberechi Eze, with Borna Sosa one of the players who bolstered Oliver Glasner’s squad. The Croat’s arrival means the Austrian tactician has two options for the left wing-back slot. So, it is unclear how Lodi fits into the scheme of things at Crystal Palace.
As for West Ham, El Hadji Malick Diouf has been a standout performer for the East London club since arriving from Slavia Praha in the summer transfer window. Additionally, Nuno Espirito Santo has Oliver Scarles as his backup left-back. So, the Hammers do not need a left-back.
Nevertheless, Crystal Palace and West Ham are vying for the 27-year-old Brazilian full-back’s signature, and they are keen on completing a Bosman move. It will be interesting to see if Lodi returns to the Premier League in the coming weeks.
