Danilo looked set to leave Nottingham Forest for French giants Lyon, but their financial woes have surely put an end to any talks.
Lyon were keen on Danilo as well as Matt Turner, in what looked to be an ideal scenario for Nuno Espírito Santo, as he could reinvest any funds made from the two stars who weren’t crucial to his plans.
The French giants were set to pay £20m for Danilo, but the deal initially stalled as John Textor wanted to insert a future move to Botafogo in Danilo’s deal, which put off the Palmeiras academy graduate.
However, Lyon’s relegation to Ligue 2 has thrown an even bigger spanner in the works, with Danilo now looking likely to leave Forest in a far less lucrative deal.
Danilo during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Danilo could now leave Nottingham Forest on loan
His ankle injury at the start of last season has perhaps done Danilo’s talents a disservice, but there’s no escaping that Elliot Anderson and Ibrahim Sangare look like Espírito Santo’s most solid midfield pair.
The £20m Lyon deal also suggested that Danilo was a sellable asset, but according to the Daily Mail, the Brazilian’s new proposed move won’t be one that capitalises on this.
The report said: “Real Betis want Danilo on loan from Nottingham Forest as his proposed move to Lyon hangs in the balance. The 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder has been set for a £20million switch to Lyon before the French club were demoted to the second tier for financial offences.
“Lyon plan to appeal and Forest are waiting but the transfer will not be possible if the relegation is confirmed.”
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Even if Lyon manage to appeal their relegation successfully, it still seems a big ask that the French football authorities will allow them to spend £20m without assurances that they can immediately afford to, which will only slow down Danilo’s move further.
Therefore, the Real Betis option may well be the better move for him, even if it doesn’t suit Forest.
Real Betis could be a perfect move for Danilo
As stated by the report: “Betis revived Antony’s career last season with a loan deal from Manchester United and hope to do the same for his fellow Brazilian Danilo.”
Just listen to that reaction! 🔊
A MASSIVE goal from Danilo for Nottingham Forest and what about that flick in the build-up from Morgan Gibbs-White! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/p4lLDSMPbl
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 8, 2023
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Danilo’s career isn’t in as perilous a position as Antony’s was, but a move to Betis could still be perfect for the Forest man to rediscover his form.
As a further boost, Betis will be involved in the UEFA Europa League in 25/26, meaning that he won’t miss out on the European experience that the Forest squad will be enjoying.
Forest fans were disappointed with Danilo’s performances towards the end of the season so a move is certainly the right thing for all involved, but missing out on that £20m from Lyon will be a sickener for Evangelos Marinakis.