Atletico Madrid News
Exit-linked left-back set to continue at Atletico Madrid next season
Throughout the summer transfer window, the future of Renan Lodi at Atletico Madrid has been unclear. While one could make a strong use case for his presence at the Wanda Metropolitano, an equally strong argument could be made favouring his departure.
Gustavo Hofman of ESPN via AS reveals that the player’s entourage met with the club’s administration yesterday. In the meeting that ensued, it was clarified that Diego Simeone continues to trust the player and will count on him for the upcoming season.
This puts to bed all the rumours suggestive of Lodi’s departure. Newcastle United and Juventus were said to be interested in the left-back earlier in the window but will now have to scout alternative targets.
The Brazilian was an integral part of Simeone’s set-up in the first half of last season, but his importance began to dwindle after the arrival of Reinildo in January.
With Lodi’s position as a left-back under direct threat, the manager opted to utilise him as a wingback for the remainder of last season. Yet, it now seems like Yannick Carrasco and Molina are preferred by the manager in that position.
Heading into a new season, Simeone may look to utilise Lodi’s services in rotation with Reinildo at left-back. Yet, that is all speculation and it remains to be seen what the Argentine coach has in his mind.
Last season, the 24-year-old made 29 league appearances for Los Rojiblancos but started only 13 of them. In his 1189 minutes, he scored two goals and provided two assists for the men in red-and-white.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
