Manchester United have entered the race for Danilo. Now we have another Premier League angle to a story that should develop in the coming months.
The Botafogo midfielder has been one of the standout players in Brazil this season, and his numbers explain why.
Danilo has 9 goals and 3 assists in 21 matches so far, which is a big return for a central midfielder. He has rebuilt his reputation after his time in Nottingham Forest and is hitting top form at exactly the right moment, with the World Cup approaching.
Interest has been building for weeks now. Fulham were among the first to position themselves seriously, but they are no longer alone.
Premier League competition intensifies
Fresh reports from Brazil now suggest Manchester United have made an initial enquiry.
Fulham had already put themselves forward as one of the most concrete options, with willingness to go to around €30m (£26m) for the 24-year-old.
Now, with Botafogo-related insider outlet Fogão.NET claiming Manchester United made contact, things naturally shift a bit.
United’s interest is still described as early-stage, more of a check than a formal move. Still, their presence alone changes the dynamic, especially with Danilo’s value already trending upwards.
The idea would be to see him as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro, whose contract runs until June 2026 and is not expected to be renewed.
Zenit, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, alongside Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Flamengo, have also been credited with interest. However, as already reported, the player’s priority is a return to England, which keeps Premier League clubs in a strong position.
€40m target remains key factor
Botafogo’s stance has not really changed. The club are aiming to sell Danilo for up to €40m (£34m), and they believe the World Cup could push his value even higher. That figure is now shaping the market around him.
Clubs sitting closer to the €30m (£26m) mark, like Fulham, may need to stretch if they want to stay competitive.
At the same time, Botafogo are not prioritising a domestic sale, which makes things more difficult for Palmeiras and Flamengo.
Fulham still well placed – but pressure growing
For Fulham, this adds a bit more pressure. They are still one of the best-positioned clubs in terms of early intent and financial structure. They also benefit from the player’s clear desire to return to England.
However, Manchester United stepping in brings a different level of competition, both financially and in terms of pull.
Danilo’s form, his likely presence at the World Cup, and Botafogo’s financial situation are all pointing towards a summer sale.
If Manchester United move early, the deal may still be around €30m (£26m). Wait, and it could quickly move closer to €40m (£34m), especially if Danilo performs at the World Cup.
