Newcastle United’s interest in Danilo is real, but the situation appears far less advanced than some of the other Premier League links around the Botafogo midfielder.
Fresh reports from Brazil, heavily focused on Newcastle’s internal discussions, suggest the Magpies are seriously considering whether to make a move for the Brazil international after the season ends. However, the story also comes with several important caveats.
At the moment, this is still described as something “embryonic” rather than a concrete negotiation, as we previously covered.
Eddie Howe likes Danilo
One detail that stands out is Eddie Howe’s apparent admiration for the player.
According to ESPN Brazil, the Newcastle United manager knows Danilo well and likes his profile. That alone gives the story weight, especially because the midfielder has become one of the most talked-about players in Brazil this season.
Danilo has already managed 9 goals and 2 assists in 21 appearances for Botafogo and Brazil combined in 2026, exceptional numbers for a central midfielder. His performances also pushed him firmly into Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup list.
Newcastle are clearly aware of that upward trajectory.
Complications for Newcastle
At the same time, the reporting makes it clear why Newcastle have not accelerated things yet. And the first issue is financial.
Botafogo are still hoping for around €40m (£34m) after the World Cup, and Newcastle internally view that figure as very high. The club know they would need a major investment to get the deal done.
The second issue is sporting. Danilo wants to play Champions League football, but Newcastle will miss out on Europe altogether next season. That weakens their position compared to other English clubs in the race. And it appears to be a ‘breaking point’ for the player.
There is also the squad question. As pointed out during ESPN’s discussion, Newcastle already have Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali in midfield, so the position is not exactly seen as an urgent weakness. Only if any of those two players were to be sold, then Danilo would become a priority target.
Premier League return still likely
That context makes this quite different from the Arsenal situation, where the Gunners have already contacted Danilo’s camp, or Manchester United, who recently made fresh contact with Botafogo itself.
But even with those complications, Newcastle are now very much part of the wider Premier League picture around Danilo. And that picture keeps getting bigger.
The midfielder increasingly looks set to leave Botafogo after the World Cup, especially after the club sidelined him from training sessions and matches until his future becomes clearer. The Brazilian club is openly prioritising a European sale amid major financial pressure.
Danilo also wants another chance in England after his mixed spell at Nottingham Forest. So despite the obstacles around Newcastle specifically, the broader Premier League pathway still looks very alive for him.
