Casemiro’s departure on 1 Jul 2026 left Manchester United scrambling for a midfield fix, and reports on 3 Jul suggest Botafogo’s Danilo Santos could arrive for far less than his €40 million tag.
Why United need a new engine room
Manchester United confirmed the sale of Casemiro to Real Madrid in early July, ending a brief stint at Old Trafford. The Brazilian’s exit created a void in the defensive midfield slot that the club has struggled to fill this summer. United also failed to upgrade Manuel Ugarte, whose impact fell short of expectations. With Ederson’s medical set for 5 Jul, the board now faces a tight window to secure at least two more quality midfielders.
Who is Danilo Santos?
Danilo Santos, 24, returned to Brazil last summer after a loan spell at Nottingham Forest. Since re‑joining Botafogo, he has transformed from a pure destroyer into a box‑to‑box presence, netting seven goals and providing two assists in his last 12 league outings. His resurgence caught the eye of United scouts, who view him as a “brilliant Casemiro replacement,” according to Brazilian outlet O Dia.
How the World Cup affected his price
Brazil’s short‑lived World Cup run saw Danilo feature for just 43 minutes, a far cry from the minutes he hoped to earn. The limited exposure meant Botafogo could not command the €40 million fee discussed before the tournament. The club’s strained finances now force a sale, and insiders say United could negotiate a deal well below that figure.
Competition and timing
Arsenal have also shown interest, meaning United must act quickly. A swift bargain would free up funds for a potential Aurelien Tchouameni acquisition, a target that could reshape United’s midfield hierarchy. If Danilo signs before the transfer window closes on 31 Aug, United will have a versatile Brazilian ready to step into the role vacated by Casemiro.
What the numbers say
Botafogo’s financial statements reveal a deficit that can only be eased by a major sale this summer. Danilo’s contract runs until 2029, but a release clause has not been disclosed. United’s recent spending pattern—£45 million for Ederson—suggests they are prepared to invest, yet they remain cautious after overspending on previous targets.
What comes next for United?
United’s scouting department will likely send a delegation to Rio de Janeiro within the next week. If a deal is struck, Danilo could join the squad for pre‑season friendlies in early September, giving manager Erik ten Hag a chance to integrate him before the Premier League kicks off on 12 Sep.
Potential impact on the squad
Danilo’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively mirrors Casemiro’s earlier years at Real Madrid, offering Ten Hag a flexible option in midfield. His seven‑goal burst demonstrates a knack for arriving late in the box, a trait United missed after Casemiro’s departure. Should he adapt to the pace of the Premier League, United’s midfield depth could finally match their attacking firepower.
*The Peoples Person* continues to track United’s transfer activity. Follow us for the latest updates on Danilo Santos, Casemiro, and all things Manchester United.