Nott’m Forest aiming to permanently secure pair crucial to survival, but expect stiff competition
Nottingham Forest are reportedly looking to secure the permanent signings of loan pair Keylor Navas and Renan Lodi, though they’ll face competition for both.
For any side to maintain their status as a Premier League side the season after being promoted is tough. Indeed, on a lot of occasions, it’s expected that a team will go straight back down.
For a side like Forest, who spent 23 years outside the top flight, the odds were against them.
However, they gave themselves a fighting chance of staying up. Indeed, the Reds made 30 signings, either permanently or on loan deals, during the season’s two transfer windows.
Some big-name additions headed through the door. Indeed, the likes of Lodi, from Atletico Madrid and Navas, from Paris Saint-Germain, were some of the biggest, judging by the level they were playing at before joining.
The signing of Navas was a requirement after Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson was struck by injury. Navas played 17 times and while he conceded 32 goals, he kept a couple of clean sheets – including against Arsenal – and played an important role for the side.
Lodi made 27 appearances throughout the season, and was part of that same rearguard that held off Arsenal to ensure safety, as well as assisting in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea the game prior.
As such, both men have played their respective parts in keeping Forest afloat in the Premier League.
Forest want to secure Navas, Lodi permanently
It’s little surprise, then, that the City Ground outfit wants to acquire the services of both on a permanent basis.
Indeed, 90min reports Forest are ‘keen to keep hold’ of both men next season.
However, it might be difficult for them to fend off interest from other sides. They could have snared Lodi permanently for £25million, but decided against it, and that opportunity has now expired.
It’s not difficult to see why Forest didn’t do so, not knowing if they’d be in the Premier League next season until they beat Arsenal in their last match.
Now, it might become harder for them to sign Lodi, with Newcastle United keen on him.
It’s a similar story with Navas. While the 36-year-old was out of favour with PSG before he joined Forest, his role in keeping them up has seemingly put other sides on alert.
Indeed, 90min reports Atletico Madrid are interested in acquiring his services. The report also suggests there is interest from ‘all over Europe, the Middle East, MLS and South America’.
Whether or not half a season at Forest has stoked a desire for Navas to stay there remains to be seen.
He may well be able to get himself a gig at a better side, and finish what remains of his career playing a higher level of football, after showing he is still capable of doing so.
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