Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Brazilian left-back Renan Lodi on a six-year deal from Athletico Paranaense. Atleti were known to be long-term admirers of the 21-year-old and they reportedly had bids of €18million and €21million turned down before Paranaense eventually accepted an offer of €25million, although that only came about after the Spanish club’s transfer chief, Andrea Bertra, personally travelled to Brazil to negotiate the deal.
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Lodi boasts plenty of experience despite his young age, as he has made 70 first-team appearances for Paranaense and he was part of the side that won the Copa Sudamericana last year. Real Madrid, Juventus, Shakhtar Donestk and Lille were also believed to be interested in Lodi, but he opted to join Atleti, where he is looking forward to working under manager Diego Simeone.
“I am very happy to be here and join a great club,” Lodi told Atletico’s club website. “I am very happy to be able to work with Simeone, who is one of the best Coaches.” Lodi will fancy his chances of establishing a regular place in Simeone’s side given fellow left-sided defenders Lucas Hernandez and Felipe Luis have left the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.
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