Newcastle’s contingency plan: Danilo as backup if Guimaraes departs

Report: Newcastle are interested in former Forest midfielder Danilo if captain Bruno Guimaraes leaves, and the club have opened talks with Botafogo to secure him as a contingency. The move is presented as sensible planning rather than panic, with the Magpies looking ahead to a possible captain exit.

Newcastle Transfer News: the club are planning for the worst before it arrives, according to the report. Danilo talks begin as the club identify him as the leading option if Guimaraes completes a move to Arsenal.

According to Globo, Newcastle have not made a formal offer to Botafogo, but have signalled Danilo as the priority target should the captain depart. Clubs serious about competing do not wait until a deal is done before starting the next one.

Danilo fits the profile, having made 62 appearances for Nottingham Forest in English football, contributing six goals and four assists. A brutal leg break disrupted his 2024-25 campaign, prompting a return to Brazil.

Since returning, he ended the domestic season strongly with seven goals and two assists in 12 league matches for Botafogo and featured four times at the World Cup. His South American background and recent form have rebuilt his value quickly.

Newcastle need midfielders who can move the ball quickly, play through pressure and contribute in the final third in England, and Danilo can pass, carry and create from midfield, which matters if Guimaraes leaves. Danilo would not be a like‑for‑like replacement, but offers technical quality and enough top‑level experience to make the step feel manageable.

There is no value in pretending a reluctant captain can be the foundation of the next project, the report notes, and Guimaraes’ departure would leave a gap. Planning gets clubs out of trouble, and Danilo is seen as a sensible succession option.

Photo credit IMAGO shows the Guimaraes situation looks simple, underscoring the club’s pragmatic approach. Our View: while losing the captain would be a blow, securing Danilo provides a manageable step for Newcastle.