Eyebrows were raised when Nottingham Forest opted to cash in on Danilo during the summer transfer window, and now the decision looks to have been a bad one.
The versatile Brazilian broke his ankle in the opening day draw with Bournemouth last season but returned to action by January in a remarkable testament to his mental strength.
Danilo is back in the Brazil squad but should he have been kept at Nottingham Forest last summer?
Danilo played his part in helping Forest finish seventh in the Premier League and reach the semi-final of the FA Cup, where the Reds lost to Manchester City.
However, Espirito Santo decided to sell him to Botafogo for a fee of £21 million in the summer, a move that looks more foolish by the day at the moment.
Brazil call up Danilo for international fixtures
It’s quite ridiculous looking back that Forest allowed Danilo to go, especially when the club knew they’d be playing so many more matches this season.
The talented midfielder would have been very useful to have in the squad this season, with Danilo capable of playing in a number of different positions.
Danilo scored some big goals for Forest during his time at the club, and it’s a shame that Espirito Santo sanctioned an exit, with the players added to replace him not really hitting the same level yet.
The player is now back in the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup, and that is a firm indication of just how well he’s been performing since leaving Forest.
Espirito Santo was treated poorly by Edu at Forest, but ultimately, he would have had a say in this decision and how Forest could do with having a player of his ilk on the bench right now.
Forest could rue Danilo exit
Danilo has scored five goals in the early stages of the Brazilian campaign, and it’s no surprise Carlo Ancelotti has named him in the Brazil squad.
Forest could rue letting the player leave, and Botafogo might rake in more money if he does go to the World Cup and end up securing a move back to Europe.
Danilo would likely be a better option than any of the midfield or attacking options Forest purchased in the summer, and it looks like a decision that might prove costly for the Reds.
Now, he will hope to strut his stuff for Brazil and cement a place in Ancelotti’s squad ahead of the World Cup, which takes place in the summer.
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