According to Palmeiras president Leila Pereira, the club made a significant financial effort to sign midfielder Danilo Santos from Botafogo, but the transfer was ultimately blocked after the player reached 13 appearances in the Campeonato Brasileiro, rendering him ineligible to switch domestic clubs.
Palmeiras President Addresses Failed Transfer
Palmeiras pursued a reunion with Danilo Santos, a product of the club’s youth academy who represented the Brazilian national team at the 2026 World Cup. According to a public statement released by Palmeiras president Leila Pereira, the club attempted to negotiate a deal with Botafogo.
“We had an interest in Danilo, we made a big financial effort to try to sign him, but Botafogo did not want to negotiate with us and life goes on,” Pereira stated in the official communication, as reported by Estadão. Despite missing out on the midfielder, Pereira expressed confidence in the current squad and the coaching staff, noting that the team has already secured the Campeonato Paulista title this season.
How 13 Appearances Sealed Danilo’s Fate at Botafogo
The transfer fell through after Danilo appeared as a second-half substitute in the 20th minute for Botafogo against Vitória at the Nilton Santos stadium, during a rescheduled match from the 4th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. According to league rules, that appearance marked his 13th match in the competition, legally barring him from representing any other Brazilian club in the tournament this season.
Negotiations between Palmeiras and Botafogo began in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. Prior to the tournament, Danilo was sidelined by Botafogo after his representatives asked the club to omit him from matches to protect the prospective transfer. The midfielder also expressed a personal desire to move.
Financial Strains and European Interest
Facing financial difficulties, Botafogo expected to negotiate the player at least for 30 million euros (about R$ 173 million). While Palmeiras increased their bid in the final days, Botafogo resisted selling the player to a domestic rival, preferring to wait for offers from European clubs.
According to reporting from Estadão, Russian side Zenit and English club Newcastle both made inquiries regarding the player. However, Danilo preferred to remain in Brazil before his subsequent appearance closed the door on a domestic switch.
Did you know? Danilo Santos is recognized as a “Cria da Academia” (Academy Product) of Palmeiras before rising to prominence with Botafogo and earning a spot representing the Brazilian national team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t Danilo Santos play for Palmeiras in the Brasileirão?
According to tournament rules, once a player makes 13 appearances for a club in the Campeonato Brasileiro, they are no longer eligible to transfer to and play for another team within the same competition during that season.
How much did Botafogo demand for the midfielder?
Botafogo expected to negotiate the player at least for 30 million euros (about R$ 173 million), amid the club’s ongoing financial challenges.
Which international clubs showed interest in Danilo?
Zenit from Russia and Newcastle from England both made inquiries about the player, though Danilo initially preferred to stay in Brazil.
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