According to Spanish TV channel La Sexta, Real Madrid have sealed the signing of Danilo from FC Porto. The Brazilian right back would only need to sign the contracts, which are already prepared as the clubs have fully agreed. Even though Casemiro’s on loan with Porto, he won’t be included in the transfer.
The rumor of the pursuit has been around for a while, but La Sexta’s exclusive news have started to echo around Spain now. Real would supposedly pay €20 million for the 23-year-old, despite Porto’s desire for the full release clause of €40 million.
This transfer is similar to Pepe’s in 2007. By then, the Portuguese center back was only known in his league, yet Los Blancos put out €30 million for his services. In retrospect, that amount of money was fair, since Pepe ended up being a very solid and key member of the defense since his arrival.
Danilo has garnered European experience with the Dragões, and has also received attention from the Brazil national team. Like a good Brazilian defender, he’s known for his attacking strength and speed.
If the information is true, this would cause two problems for Real. The first one is that Álvaro Arbeloa would need to leave the club or be reconverted, as the competition for the right back would be between Carvajal and Danilo.
The second problem would be the impossibility of signing more extracomunitarian players, as the spots would be covered by Lucas Silva, James Rodríguez and Danilo. This would limit Madrid’s options when looking at the transfer market this summer.
All in all, this seems like a good buy, as Arbeloa has probably completed his period at the club. The price might be a little high, yet the market never ceases to get more expensive. While the deal is apparently finished, we still have to wait until June to see if everything goes as expected.
