Manchester United have submitted an offer for Botafogo midfielder Danilo, according to reports from Brazil, as the club’s new ownership group, INEOS, progresses towards a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson Silva. The move comes as United seek a replacement for Casemiro, who is set to depart this summer.
Danilo previously played in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest, joining in January 2023 and contributing to their successful fight against relegation. However, his time at Forest was cut short by a serious ankle injury in the 2023/24 campaign, leading to his transfer to Botafogo for a reported €25 million (£21.7m, $29m) last summer. He has reportedly impressed during his return to Brazilian football, catching the eye of United’s recruitment team.
Despite interest from other European clubs including Milan, Atalanta, and Zenit, Botafogo are currently unwilling to sell Danilo, preferring to wait until after the 2026 World Cup in the hope that his value will increase. The midfielder is a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the tournament, potentially raising his profile and market value further. UOL reports that the club believes a World Cup appearance will significantly boost the player’s worth.
Alongside the pursuit of Danilo, United are nearing the completion of a deal for Ederson. Fabrizio Romano reports that Ederson has already agreed to personal terms on a five-year contract and remains committed to joining United despite interest from other clubs. The fee is expected to be around €45 million, with payment terms currently being negotiated. The Ederson deal is seen as a priority for INEOS, with the Brazilian having already agreed terms and the club now seeking final approval to proceed.
