Danilo keen on joining Barcelona

Brazilian midfielder Danilo is reportedly keen on joining Barcelona this summer, handing the Blaugrana a boost in his pursuit.

According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Danilo is Barcelona’s fallback option if they fail to secure the services of Ruben Neves in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian midfielder is keen on joining the Blaugrana, with Palmeiras likely to demand between €20 million and €25 million to part ways with him.

Danilo has come leaps and bounds since joining Palmeiras from PFC Cajazeiras in October 2020. The 21-year-old has been in fine nick at the onset of the 2022 season, featuring 26 times for Palmeiras thus far while chipping in with six goals and two assists.

The Brazilian midfielder’s exploits have made him one of the hottest properties in South America, with his performances capturing the attention of some of the most high-profile clubs in Europe. Recent reports had claimed that the player’s representatives, Kia Joorabchian and Giuliano Bertolucci, offered him to Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are now exploring the possibility of signing Danilo. While Barcelona’s priority midfield target is Ruben Neves, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ high asking price might force the Blaugrana to consider alternatives in the summer transfer window amid their ongoing financial distress.

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To that end, Danilo has emerged as a fallback option for Barcelona, with his price tag of around €25 million likely to fall within their budget. Barcelona’s healthy relations with Kia Joorabchian should also hold them in good stead if they pursue the Brazilian midfielder, who is keen on joining them, in the summer transfer window.

Sergio Busquets has been one of the most consistent performers for Barcelona since Xavi Hernandez took over from Ronald Koeman as the new manager. But the Barcelona captain is in the final phase of his career, and the Catalan giants need to lay down a succession plan for him.

Neves is thus Barcelona’s priority target to succeed Busquets. But Danilo, with his price tag of around €25 million, is also an attractive candidate, considering he is one of the best midfielders in South America. It will be interesting to see if Barcelona can negotiate an acceptable sum to sign Neves. If not, Danilo could move to Camp Nou amid his eagerness to join the Blaugrana.