Newcastle United are actively seeking a new midfielder this summer and have identified Brazil international Danilo Santos as a prime target. The Botafogo midfielder, valued at around £25 million, was part of Brazil's World Cup squad and offers versatility as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder. The Magpies are looking to bolster their midfield options amid potential departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock.
Early Career and Discovery by Vanderlei Luxemburgo
Danilo's journey began at Bahia in northeastern Brazil, but he was released as a teenager. He moved 1,000 miles south to join Palmeiras, where his career took off under former Real Madrid manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo. In a 2020 training match between the under-20s and reserves, Luxemburgo noticed Danilo's unique qualities. "Do you know how I discovered Danilo?" Luxemburgo recalled in an interview with Jovem Pan. "During a training match... he immediately caught my eye: a left-footed boy who was winning the ball all over the pitch. One detail stood out: he never played the ball sideways or backwards, only forwards." Luxemburgo promoted Danilo to the first team, and within three years, he earned a move to the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest Move and Inconsistency
Nottingham Forest signed Danilo in January 2023 for a fee believed to be around £18.5 million. Forest's former sporting director Filippo Giraldi hailed him as a signing for the present and future. However, Danilo struggled with inconsistency during his 18-month spell at the City Ground. Sarah Clapson, Nottingham Forest reporter for the Nottingham Post, noted: "Forest fans used to joke that when it got to about April, that was when Danilo really came alive. If you needed someone to bag a big goal or two in the latter stages of the season, he was the man." He scored three goals in consecutive games around April/May 2023 and netted another crucial goal the following season. Despite his flashes of brilliance, Clapson added: "He had some really good performances but at other times found the pace and strength required in the Premier League tough to cope with."
Injury and Return to Brazil
Danilo's 2024/25 season started with high expectations, but disaster struck 10 minutes into the opening match against Bournemouth. A freak ankle injury saw him stretchered off. "It was really sad. I know I'm still young, but I'd never had such a good, rewarding pre-season with Forest," Danilo said last year. He returned to action in February 2025 but struggled to regain his form, with Elliot Anderson seizing the opportunity. In summer 2025, Danilo returned to Brazil to join Botafogo, seeking to rediscover his confidence. Clapson explained: "It was really a mixture of Danilo not being able to find form and Anderson doing quite the opposite."
Botafogo Rebuild and World Cup Call-Up
At Botafogo, Danilo flourished under coach Franclim Carvalho. He scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 20 matches across all competitions in 2026, making him one of the most productive players in Brazilian club football. His form earned him a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad, where he featured in all but one of five matches. Botafogo, the 2024 Copa Libertadores winners, are reportedly open to selling for a profit on the £21 million they paid Forest. Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson, who was at Forest when Danilo was signed, knows the player well.
Potential Move to Newcastle
Newcastle could make a move for Danilo this summer, with his value set at £25 million. Clapson reflected on his potential return to English football: "It would certainly be interesting to see how he'd get on back in the Premier League. Players are always developing so I'm sure he'll have learnt from his time at the City Ground." Danilo's ability to play as a six or eight, combined his recent form and World Cup experience, makes him an attractive option for Eddie Howe's side.
