Journalist Pete O’Rourke is sure that Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes would give a “glowing reference” to Brazil team-mate Renan Lodi over a potential move to St James’ Park.
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, there have been suggestions that Matt Target’s potential stay at Newcastle may come to an end this summer, with the Aston Villa man set to return to his parent club after his loan spell on Tyneside.
Following that revelation, a number of left-backs have been touted as potential arrivals for the Magpies.
Recent reports have claimed that Atletico Madrid full-back Lodi has emerged as a potential target for Eddie Howe’s side.
With Lodi’s Brazilian team-mate Guimaraes already at the club, O’Rourke believes that Newcastle could have a slight advantage in the personal negotiations, if the current Magpies star puts in a good work to the St James’ Park hierarchy for his compatriot.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed: “I’m sure if Lodi did consult Bruno Guimaraes about Newcastle, then Bruno would give a glowing reference of his time already at the club.
“He’d probably tell him about the huge ambition that Newcastle have got over the next couple of seasons and how they want to be up there competing for the top four, and challenging for trophies in the near future.”
Lodi’s arrival at St James’ Park would be a huge statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League.
With the 24-year-old described as “incredible” by The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan, Diego Simeone has also been impressed with the 24-year-old this season. Following Lodi’s match winner against Celta Vigo in February, the Atletico manager claimed: “Lodi is a hard-working, humble player who deserves all the praise and support.”
The Brazilian had twice as many goals and assists as Targett in 2021/22 and also took more shots per 90 minutes (FBRef), which suggests that he would offer a greater attacking threat from full-back than the Englishman.
With those figures in mind, and given the high praise from one of Europe’s highest-profile managers in Simeone, Lodi would indeed be a tremendous prospective coup for Newcastle.
