Flamengo target explains return to Brazil: “I didn’t want to at first” | OneFootball

Who is Flamengo targeting in this transfer window?

Flamengo is looking to sign Danilo, a midfielder from Botafogo, for the next transfer window. The player, who was wearing the Nottingham Forest (ENG) shirt in 2025, decided to return to Brazil after losing playing time. Called up for the World Cup, the athlete explained his decision to leave Europe.

— It was very difficult. I’m at an age where I should be in Europe, but my serious injury made me lose space at Nottingham. At first, I didn’t want to return to Brazil; I had in mind turning things around and shining, but this is football and we can’t control certain things. I came back worried that I hadn’t done the right thing, it was all part of a project for the World Cup, and then I had injuries again that got in my way -, he said, before concluding:

— So that earlier fear became reality because I wasn’t called up and couldn’t get a run of games, but since January I’ve managed to get back to a good place physically and mentally to show my football. That step back worked out so I could be in good shape for the national team. A step back that meant two or more steps forward -, concluded Danilo in an interview with ‘GE’.

How much does Botafogo want to sell Danilo?

To negotiate Danilo, Botafogo does not intend to make talks easy. That is because the midfielder has been called up by the Brazilian National Team to play in the World Cup. Because of this, the Rio club believes the midfielder could increase in value during the world tournament, which begins in June.

Therefore, Botafogo is asking for around 40 million euros (R$ 236 million at the current exchange rate) to sell Danilo. It is worth noting that the transfer windows in Europe and Brazil open on July 20, after the World Cup.

What is Flamengo’s plan?

At the moment, the Flamengo squad is enjoying its vacation due to the break in the calendar because of the World Cup. Mengão’s next match in 2026 is scheduled for July 22, against Chapecoense, in the 19th round of the Brasileirão.

Before that, however, Flamengo will hold a mid-season training camp in Portugal, including three friendlies. Thus, on Portuguese soil, the Rubro-Negro will face Falkirk (SCO), Birmingham (ENG), and Benfica (POR).

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