NafisaRangers’ summer overhaul under Derek McInnes is not only about bringing new faces to Ibrox but also drawing a line under one of the club’s most disappointing recruitment periods.
Several players who arrived during Michael Beale’s reign have already departed, while others appear to be edging closer to the exit as the new manager continues reshaping his squad.
Few signings better symbolise that difficult period than Brazilian striker Danilo. Arriving with high expectations after an impressive spell in the Netherlands, the forward struggled to establish himself at Ibrox due to injuries and inconsistent form before spending the second half of last season away on loan.
Now, fresh reports suggest the 26-year-old is finally on the verge of completing his Rangers exit, with a return to his homeland seemingly just around the corner.
Danilo closing in on Rangers departure
According to the Daily Record, Danilo’s proposed move to Brazilian side Botafogo is expected to be completed on Wednesday, July 16, bringing an end to his disappointing spell at Ibrox.
The report states that confirmation of the transfer could arrive imminently, although the exact structure of the agreement has not yet been disclosed.
Previous reports suggested the deal would be a loan with an option to buy, allowing Botafogo to make the move permanent if the striker impresses during his spell in Brazil.
Danilo still has three years remaining on his Rangers contract, which runs until 2028, meaning the Scottish club could face another difficult decision in the future if the move does not become permanent.
However, with Lawrence Shankland, Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi all now ahead of him in Derek McInnes’ attacking plans, the Brazilian no longer appears to have a route back into the first team.
His departure would also represent another step in Rangers’ efforts to move on from the Michael Beale era.
Signed during the 2023 summer transfer window, Danilo arrived alongside several other high-profile additions as Beale attempted to rebuild the squad.
While expectations were high, both the manager and many of his signings ultimately failed to deliver the success supporters had hoped for.
Beale’s Rangers legacy continues to fade
Danilo is not the only player signed under Beale whose future remains uncertain.
Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin also joined during Beale’s tenure but, unlike many of the manager’s recruits, has established himself as one of Rangers’ standout performers.
His impressive displays have reportedly attracted interest from clubs outside Scotland, meaning he too could leave Ibrox if a suitable offer arrives.
Jose Cifuentes is another Beale signing expected to move on after returning from his loan spell with Toronto, with little indication he features in McInnes’ long-term plans.
Dujon Sterling currently remains at Rangers and, unless his situation changes later in the transfer window, could soon become one of the last remaining players signed during Beale’s reign.
For Rangers supporters, Danilo’s expected departure represents more than just another outgoing transfer.
It signals another chapter closing in the club’s rebuilding process as McInnes continues assembling a squad in his own image, replacing the remnants of a recruitment strategy that ultimately failed to deliver sustained success at Ibrox.
With further departures expected before the transfer window closes, Rangers’ transformation under their new manager shows no signs of slowing down.
Nafisa
