Danilo’s Lyon exit has one crucial advantage, Nottingham Forest fans all agree

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Danilo’s move from Nottingham Forest to Lyon is edging closer, but Reds fans have spotted an advantage to the deal that cannot be ignored.

After Danilo returned from a serious injury in January, there was hope that he would kick on and reinstate himself as one of Nuno Espírito Santo’s most important squad players.

However, the Brazilian never quite found his form, leading to Forest fans criticising Danilo for his work in the midfield.

It’s perhaps best for the player that Lyon are interested in Danilo so that he can enjoy a fresh start, but Reds fans have taken to social media to point out a benefit that the club can exploit in the 24-year-old’s absence.

Nottingham Forest fans see positive in Danilo’s exit

Danilo’s Lyon move has stalled slightly as John Textor aimed to insert a clause in the midfielder’s contract to allow him to easily move to Botafogo in the future, something that Danilo has rejected due to his loyalties to Palmeiras.

If the deal is completed, though, the City Ground faithful have expressed their views on why the Brazilian’s exit will benefit Forest.

One fan said: “Take the money and run,” with another adding: ‘£21m is not a bad deal. It all depends on who we bring in that area really to make it a good deal.”

Another Forest fan said: “Sad as a serious player in there. But we need midfield space this summer to upgrade.” One more fan added: “No sentiment in this game, thanks for the service we move on, to make a profit on him too is even better.”

One fan added: “Looks like we will be making around £10m on this deal and it will allow us to strengthen/refresh the squad,” while another said: “£21m is a good sale value for what Danilo actually is right now.”

The Forest squad will be strengthened this summer, with the funds from selling Danilo potentially providing the chance for Marinakis to chase a long-term midfield target.

Nottingham Forest should replace Danilo with Douglas Luiz

Immediately, Danilo’s sale will offset Forest’s triple-swoop on Botafogo, but there will be a space available in central midfield to add attributes that the current squad lacks.

Forest are interested in Douglas Luiz to provide this boost to the midfield options, with his previous spell at Aston Villa showing exactly what he would offer Espírito Santo.

Luiz would offer Forest a level of goal contributions that the current midfielders cannot. Last season, Elliot Anderson scored twice and provided six assists as the most productive option in central midfield.

After a torrid time at Juventus, Luiz will be available this summer for a return to the Premier League, with a spot open at the Reds to truly upgrade the engine room.