Danilo returns to Allianz Parque as Palmeiras try to re-sign him | OneFootball

Palmeiras hosts Botafogo on Wednesday night for the seventh round of the Brazilian Championship. The match marks the reunion of midfielder Danilo, who was developed by Verdão, with his former club, and his return to Allianz Parque.

Danilo left Palmeiras for Nottingham Forest in England in 2023, in a deal worth around 20 million euros (about R$ 110 million at the time). Verdão retained 10% of the player's economic rights in the transaction.

The player had ups and downs during his time at Nottingham Forest and suffered some injuries that caused him to miss playing time with the English team. Even so, the 24-year-old player caught the interest of Botafogo, which signed him for 22 million euros (R$ 142 million) in July 2025.

Since returning to Brazil, Danilo has faced Palmeiras only once: in Botafogo's 1-0 defeat at Nilton Santos in the Brasileirão.

With Glorioso, he has 28 games, six goals, and five assists. Just this season, he has 11 games and five goals, making him the team's top scorer of the year. Established at Botafogo, Danilo was called up by Carlo Ancelotti for the last tests of the Brazilian National Team before the World Cup.

This was the player's second call-up, having had his first chance with the main national team in 2022 when he was with Palmeiras.

Danilo's Departure from Palmeiras and the Attempt to Re-sign Him

Danilo left Abel Ferreira's team while being one of the pillars of the squad. A product of the Academy, he made his debut in the professional team in 2020 and quickly became a starter. He played 141 matches, scoring 12 goals.

Additionally, wearing Verdão's jersey, Danilo was a two-time Copa Libertadores champion, and also won the Copa do Brasil, the Brazilian Championship, the Paulista Championship, and the Recopa Sudamericana.

Still trying to find a number 5 to establish in the position since Danilo's departure, Palmeiras attempted to bring the player back from Botafogo, but received a rejection from John Textor in the last transfer window.

Owner of Botafogo's SAF, John Textor sent a letter to president Leila Pereira, stating that Botafogo had no intention of negotiating the midfielder with Palmeiras. The report found, at the time, that the tone of the document was “respectful” and included compliments to the leader.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.