Newcastle United have been strongly linked with a move for Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos this summer, with the Brazil international emerging as a serious option for Eddie Howe as he looks to strengthen his midfield options.
Impressing on the World Stage
Danilo caught the eye during Brazil’s World Cup campaign, making four appearances for the Seleção after a productive season with Botafogo that saw him contribute seven goals and two assists in just 12 league matches. That form has only intensified interest from clubs across Europe, with Newcastle reportedly among his most serious suitors.
A Familiar Face for Premier League Fans
This wouldn’t be Danilo’s first taste of English football either. He spent two seasons at Nottingham Forest, making 62 appearances and contributing 10 goal involvements, before a broken ankle disrupted his progress and Botafogo swooped to sign him in a club-record deal worth around €22 million last summer. His energetic, box-to-box style and existing Premier League experience make him exactly the kind of profile that fits Howe’s preferred approach in midfield.
Why Newcastle Are Circling
According to multiple reports out of Brazil, Newcastle have positioned themselves as strong contenders for Danilo, with the midfielder viewed internally as a valuable option to bolster the squad regardless of what happens with other midfield business this summer. Reports suggest Newcastle have already opened dialogue with the player’s representatives, with sources indicating Danilo himself is prioritising a return to Europe, and specifically to the Premier League, over interest from elsewhere including Zenit St Petersburg and a reported return to Palmeiras.
The Valuation Picture Remains Unclear
Exactly how much it would take to prise Danilo away from Botafogo remains something of a moving target. Early reports suggested the Brazilian club were holding out for a fee closer to €40 million, but more recent reporting indicates Botafogo have since lowered their demands to around €30 million (roughly £26 million) after his World Cup involvement failed to significantly boost his value the way the club had hoped. Competition from other suitors, including Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Napoli, has also been mentioned in various reports, though the extent of that interest remains unconfirmed.
What It Would Mean for Newcastle
Landing a player with Danilo’s energy, physicality, and proven Premier League pedigree would give Howe genuine depth and competition in central midfield. With question marks continuing to swirl around other midfield names at St James’ Park, adding a versatile, high-work-rate option like Danilo could prove a smart, value-driven piece of business regardless of how the rest of the squad shapes up.
What Happens Next?
With talks reportedly progressing and Danilo said to favour a Premier League return, this situation looks set to develop over the coming weeks. Newcastle fans, would Danilo be a smart addition to Howe’s midfield options this summer? Let us know your thoughts below.
