Newcastle target Danilo Santos expected to cost around £25m | OneFootball

Newcastle United will need to pay around £25 million to secure Botafogo midfielder Danilo Santos this summer.

The Magpies’ recruitment team have identified the 25-year-old Brazilian international as a midfield target.

With captain Bruno Guimaraes heavily linked with a move to Arsenal following Sandro Tonali’s departure, Newcastle are looking to strengthen their midfield options.

After seeing a deal for Switzerland international Johan Manzambi hijacked by Aston Villa, Newcastle have turned their attention to Danilo and are also showing interest in Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall.

Danilo is already familiar with English football, having spent two years with Nottingham Forest between 2023 and 2025.

A severe broken leg derailed his Premier League progress, prompting a £20 million move back to Brazil with Botafogo last July to rebuild his career.

His resurgence in South America has fully justified that decision. Free from injury concerns, Danilo has been in outstanding form, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 21 appearances this season.

His dominant, press-resistant play and ability to operate as both a number six and a dynamic number eight quickly caught the eye of Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Danilo earned a spot in Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad in North America, making four appearances off the bench during the Selecao’s knockout run.

While Botafogo are reluctant to part with their prized midfielder mid-season, the club’s hierarchy recognise the financial pull of the Premier League. A valuation of around £25 million has been set as the baseline to sanction a permanent transfer.