Lazio Target Former Atletico Madrid Star As Nuno Tavares Controversy Continues To Build

Lazio are reportedly interested in former Atletico Madrid star and now free agent, Renan Lodi, as Maurizio Sarri continues to face issues with Nuno Tavares.

Will Lazio Sign Renan Lodi?

The Brazilian full-back has recently entered the free agency market after parting ways with Saudi Pro League side, Al Hilal, after being left out of the registered squad for the 2025/26 campaign.

Leaving the Saudi Arabian side was not a part of Lodi’s plans after signing for the club in January 2024, with the Brazilian making 56 appearances and winning the Saudi Pro League title, King Cup and two Saudi Super Cups.

After terminating his deal in Saudi Arabia, it was revealed that Lodi may enter legal battles with the club – as FIFA have rules over a club halting a player’s career when under contract.

The 27-year-old released a statement over his exit, saying: “I cannot be deprived of the right to practise my profession. I have decided to assert my rights like any worker who is prevented from doing their job.”

The former Atletico Madrid player has returned to Brazil while his case against Al Hilal continues, but Lodi is reportedly keen on making a return to soccer as soon as possible.

Rumors over his next club have began to circulate and the Brazilian has reportedly attracted interest from Lazio, as Nuno Tavares could be sold in January following recent issues in Rome.

Lazio suffered a 1-0 defeat to Roma in their derby day encounter and Tavares made headlines after his error led to Lorenzo Pellegrini’s winning strike.

Reports after the match claimed that the Portuguese defender left the stadium during the match, but this rumor was denied by Lazio’s Sporting Director – Angelo Fabiani.

The error against Roma is not the only reason that Tavares’ future with Lazio could be coming to an end, as Maurizio Sarri was reportedly keen on offloading the player in the summer – but Lazio were hit with a transfer embargo that meant keeping a hold of players was vital.

When Does Lazio’s Transfer Ban End?

In June of this year, Lazio were handed a transfer embargo after COVISOC revealed that the Serie A side had breached financial parameters – including debt, liquidity index and extended labor costs.

This meant that the Laziali were unable to sign any players in the summer transfer window and will have to wait until the January window to bring in any fresh faces.

Maurizio Sarri was rumored with a move away from the club as the Italian felt betrayed by Lazio, believing there had been a lack of communication around the financial issues.

This disruption has shown in Lazio’s Serie A form, losing three of their opening four league matches and the Laziali are reportedly considering a managerial change – as Ruben Amorim attracts interest from Serie A.

Permanent transfers that involve a fee are not the only exclusions, as Lazio cannot sign free agents or loan players until January – which could play a role in negotiations with Renan Lodi.

However, given the legal battle Lodi is currently in with Al Hilal, he is also not available to negotiate with another club and the January window could be the best time for both parties.