Renan Lodi can solve Newcastle injury woes – and Fabrizio Romano says he won’t cost a penny

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Newcastle United have suffered quite the injury crisis in their full-back areas – but there is one star who could conceivably be on his way to St. James’ Park.

When everyone is fit, Eddie Howe boasts one of the best full-back selections in the Premier League.

Tino Livramento is versatile and can play on either side, as can veteran star Kieran Trippier, who has bags of top-flight experience under his belt.

Youngster Lewis Hall has shown promising signs in his first two seasons on Tyneside prior to his fitness issues, whilst auxiliary options like new signing Malick Thiaw, Emil Krafth and even youngster Harrison Ashby can fill in on the right-hand side.

However, with Newcastle star Tino Livramento now on the sidelines with injury alongside Hall, it means that hometown star Dan Burn is the only option on the left at present – and that has led to suggestions for Renan Lodi to come into their ranks as an emergency backup.

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Fabrizio Romano has revealed English interest in Renan Lodi, it could be from Newcastle

Burn is undoubtedly a strong defender, with his six-foot-seven-inch frame making him imperious in the air for Newcastle.

That works well in the games against better opponents, with the sole aim of keeping them at bay with the Magpies playing on the counter-attack.

But given that he’s a centre-back by trade, former part-time Asda employee Burn does have his limitations going forward.

Having him play at left-back whilst Hall and Livramento are unavailable does mean Newcastle find it tougher to break down low blocks.

Lodi, by contrast, ended his career with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal as they had overstepped their foreign player limit, and as a free agent, he could be an option.

So much so, that journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated that there is interest from England which could see Newcastle make their move. He said on his YouTube channel:

“Renan Lodi on a free could be a very good opportunity.

“So there is some interest from England, some interest also from Italy, some calls from Italy.

“But at the moment from what I’m told, still nothing advanced, nothing really concrete, just conversations.

“I think we need some patience before we understand which club will really go for Renan Lodi.”

Lodi previously spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest in the 2022-23 season, helping them stay up under Steve Cooper, and his Premier League experience could tip a deal over the line.

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Signing Renan Lodi would be an unbelievable piece of business from Newcastle United

Signing Lodi would make a lot of sense for Eddie Howe.

First and foremost, he would add an attacking nature, squad depth and Premier League experience – all of which are hard to find on the free agent market.

Furthermore, at the age of just 27, he is coming into his peak. Transfermarkt valued him as high as €50million (£43.3million) as early as 2020, and although that has since dipped, a total transfer haulage of €70.35million (£60.95million) throughout his career means he’s certainly worth a punt.

Additionally, there is the Saudi link. Newcastle are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, and so they will be well aware of Lodi’s talents, having turned out for the Riyadh-based side 56 times.

Lodi racked up 10 goal involvements in just 84 games for Atletico Madrid before leaving, and if he can replicate that in the Premier League, it could be one of the best free transfers in the league’s recent history.