NafisaRangers are closing in on another major departure as Derek McInnes continues his ruthless rebuild, with Danilo now on the verge of leaving Ibrox after falling completely out of the manager’s plans.
The Brazilian striker arrived in Glasgow with huge expectations following his £6 million move from Feyenoord in 2023, but injuries and inconsistent form prevented him from ever establishing himself as Rangers’ first-choice forward.
Now, after being left out of McInnes’ pre-season training camp in Spain, the writing appears to be on the wall.
According to Sky Sports News, Rangers are in advanced discussions with Brazilian giants Botafogo over a deal that would see the 27-year-old return to his homeland.
The proposed agreement is expected to be an initial loan with an option to buy, which would automatically become an obligation if Danilo reaches a specified number of appearances during the season.
Although the deal has not yet been finalised, negotiations are said to be progressing well, with all parties optimistic that an agreement can soon be reached.
Danilo’s Rangers career has never truly taken off.
Across three seasons at Ibrox, the striker managed 15 goals in 62 appearances, with repeated injury setbacks preventing him from building any real momentum.
A loan spell at Dutch side NEC Nijmegen during the second half of last season also failed to revive his fortunes, as the Eredivisie club decided against making his move permanent.
Upon returning to Rangers this summer, it quickly became clear he was no longer part of McInnes’ plans.
The arrival of Lawrence Shankland, together with the presence of Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski, has pushed Danilo even further down the pecking order, leaving an exit as the only realistic outcome.
McInnes has wasted little time reshaping his squad since replacing Danny Rohl.
Alongside Shankland, Rangers have already recruited Ross McCrorie, Cammy Devlin, Dan Neil, Ivor Pandur and Ben Godfrey, while negotiations continue over additional arrivals including Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl.
The new manager has also shown he is prepared to make difficult decisions.
Experienced figures such as James Tavernier and Jack Butland have already departed as part of the club’s overhaul, and Danilo now looks set to become the latest player to leave as Rangers continue building a squad capable of challenging for major honours once again.
For the Brazilian, a return home could provide the fresh start he desperately needs after an injury-hit spell in Scotland.
For Rangers, it represents another step in McInnes’ clear vision of rebuilding the squad with players who fit his long-term plans as a new era begins at Ibrox.
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