Rangers star 'close' to another loan switch as Derek McInnes squad balancing act leaves no room for attacker
Light Blues man on the verge of being farmed out for the second consecutive year
Rangers striker Danilo is ‘close’ to securing a loan deal at Botafogo in which the Brazilian giants would have an option to buy him at the end of the season.
The 27-year old had a similar arrangement in the Dutch Eredivisie midway through last season with NEC, however after an underwhelming spell the Nijmegen side decided not to pursue a permanent move. Having only returned to Ibrox earlier this month, Danilo is reportedly headed for the exit door again as new manager Derek McInnes looks to balance out the squad.
The Brazilian didn’t travel with the rest of the squad to their pre-season warm-weather training camp in Spain, indicating that he wasn’t part of the gaffer’s plans going into next season. Injuries and inconsistency have hindered Danilo’s progress at Ibrox since his £6m transfer from Feyenoord in 2023. During that time he’s scored 15 goals in 62 Rangers appearances.
Rangers star ‘close’ to another loan switch
Sky Sports report: “Botafogo are close to agreeing a deal to sign Rangers striker Danilo. Sky Sports News understands the clubs are in discussions over a loan deal, with an option to buy. The buy-option element is based on the number of games he plays. Danilo did not travel to Spain with the Rangers squad for their pre-season camp.”
The news of Danilo’s potential exit won’t be a huge surprise to supporters given the obstacles he’d need to overcome to muscle his way back into the side. At the beginning of last season, the forward found himself behind Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski in the selection pecking order. Since then, the club have enlisted Ryan Naderi and Lawrence Shankland as extra number nine options, leaving Danilo with more competition for places.
Can familiar surroundings rejuvenate Danilo’s career?
Towards the end of last season, the striker claimed it would be an ‘honour’ to move to boyhood club Corinthians having grown up in Sao Paulo. While their Rio de Janeiro rivals Botafogo present a different challenge, the familiarity of the Brasileiro Serie A could help him find his feet after a difficult few years.
That being said, Danilo was well-acquainted with the Dutch top flight having played for both Ajax and Feyenoord, but struggled at NEC last season, scoring once in 12 appearances. As he is under contract at Ibrox until 2028, he may well still have a future at Ibrox, but for the time being a short term departure is mutually beneficial to both player and club.