Danilo dos Santos: Atalanta lead Serie A race for Brazil midfielder
Synopsis
Danilo dos Santos, one of Brazil's brightest midfielders, is reportedly edging toward an Atalanta move — but his camp's stated preference for a Premier League return keeps Newcastle United and others in the picture. With Botafogo valuing him at €29 million and a World Cup already under his belt at 25, this is one of South America's most closely watched exits of the mid-season window.
Key Takeaways
Danilo dos Santos , 25, is reportedly close to joining Atalanta from Botafogo , according to media reports.
His release clause is reportedly in excess of €30 million ; Botafogo have tagged him at €29 million (£25 million) .
Manchester United , AC Milan , Zenit St Petersburg , and Newcastle United have also been linked.
Danilo has made 43 appearances for Botafogo, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists since joining from Nottingham Forest in July 2025 .
He has 8 Brazil caps and played at the FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Botafogo have signed Danilo Pereira on loan from Rangers as their sixth mid-season recruit .
Brazilian midfielder Danilo dos Santos is reportedly on the verge of a move to Italian Serie A club Atalanta, according to multiple media reports. The 25-year-old is currently contracted to Rio de Janeiro club Botafogo until June 2029, with a release clause reportedly exceeding 30 million euros.
The Transfer Race
Atalanta are not alone in their pursuit. Manchester United, AC Milan, and Zenit St Petersburg have also been linked with the midfielder. However, reports from respected Brazilian outlet UOL indicate that Danilo and his representatives have made a return to the Premier League their top priority during this transfer window, having abandoned hopes of a move to domestic rivals Palmeiras.
According to reports, Newcastle United were among the early suitors and had learned Danilo's price. Per Chronicle Live, Botafogo have tagged the player at €29 million (approximately £25 million) — a figure higher than the £23.5 million proposal previously tabled by Palmeiras.
Danilo's Case for a Premier League Return
UOL reported that Danilo believes a return to England would best serve his international ambitions, keeping him in Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti's plans while also relaunching his Premier League career after his previous spell at Nottingham Forest. He joined Botafogo from Nottingham Forest in July 2025 and has since made 43 appearances, scoring 11 goals and registering 7 assists.
Danilo has earned 8 senior caps for Brazil and featured for his country at the FIFA World Cup held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada this year.
Botafogo's Busy Transfer Window
While Danilo's departure appears increasingly likely, Botafogo have moved swiftly to reinforce their squad. The Rio de Janeiro club have confirmed an agreement to sign forward Danilo Pereira on loan from Scottish club Rangers until June 2027, with an option to buy. The 27-year-old has scored 16 goals in 76 appearances for Rangers since arriving from Feyenoord in July 2023.
Danilo Pereira becomes Botafogo's sixth signing of Brazil's current mid-season transfer window, joining Warleson, Gabriel Batista, Paulinho, Lucas Monzon, and Domingos Andrade.
Where Botafogo Stand
Botafogo currently sit ninth in the 20-team Brazilian Serie A table with 26 points from 19 matches. The club's recruitment activity suggests they are preparing for Danilo's exit while simultaneously shoring up their attacking options. How the club navigates this window could prove decisive to their season ambitions.
Point of View
Only to see Europe come calling before a domestic title push can materialise. What is notable here is Danilo's camp explicitly prioritising a Premier League return over a higher-profile Italian move — a signal that visibility under Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil setup, not just club prestige, is driving the decision. Botafogo's simultaneous move to loan Danilo Pereira from Rangers suggests the club is already operating in post-Danilo mode, which may accelerate the timeline of a deal. The €29 million asking price is a test of how much European clubs value a midfielder who has thrived in Brazil but has limited top-flight European minutes to his name.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clubs are interested in Danilo dos Santos from Botafogo?
Atalanta are reported to be the frontrunners, but Manchester United, AC Milan, Zenit St Petersburg, and Newcastle United have all been linked with the 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder. Reports suggest Danilo's camp has prioritised a Premier League return.
What is Danilo dos Santos' release clause at Botafogo?
Danilo is contracted to Botafogo until June 2029 with a release clause reportedly exceeding €30 million. Botafogo have reportedly valued him at €29 million (approximately £25 million) in transfer negotiations.
What is Danilo dos Santos' record at Botafogo?
Since joining from Nottingham Forest in July 2025, Danilo has made 43 appearances for Botafogo, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists. He has also earned 8 caps for Brazil and featured at the FIFA World Cup.
Who is Danilo Pereira and why has Botafogo signed him?
Danilo Pereira is a 27-year-old forward who has joined Botafogo on loan from Scottish club Rangers until June 2027, with an option to buy. He has scored 16 goals in 76 appearances for Rangers and becomes Botafogo's sixth mid-season signing.
Where do Botafogo currently stand in the Brazilian Serie A?
Botafogo are ninth in the 20-team Brazilian Serie A table with 26 points from 19 matches as of the latest standings.
