Manchester City are reportedly weighing up a move for Real Madrid full-back Danilo. The Brazilian international is one of the rarely used players in Zinedine Zidane’s management at Santiago Bernabeu and could make a move out seeking first-team action elsewhere.
City are looking at a major revamp in their backline this summer after they decided to release Bacary Sagna, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy among others when their contracts expired. Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany are among the only experienced players left with Guardiola currently, which has led to numerous names being linked with the club in the past few weeks.
Despite spending the maximum among all the Premier League clubs last season, City couldn’t manage to achieve any form of silverware whatsoever, which also marked the worst debut season for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager. The next season is pretty much the final warning for the 46-year-old, and he is going all out to get the desired result.
The defence had been the weakest link for the Manchester outfit last season, as Guardiola’s passing football was often seen succumbing to the direct nature of the Premier League. He would be needing more technically superior enforcers this time and Danilo could be a perfect fit.
Although reports have claimed that the 25-year-old is desperate to prove himself with the La Liga giants after two underwhelming seasons, chances of that happening are very slim. He could manage only 17 league appearances last season playing second fiddle to Dani Carvajal. And it has decreased since his move from FC Porto last season for €31.5 million, which saw him playing 24 times.
Zidane had to resort to his B team more often last season to keep his first team stars fit, which helped Danilo see some action. The rise of Carvajal, a Madrid academy product, looks unshakeable with his impeccable displays and Danilo’s aim to topple him looks increasingly unlikely. Another Premier League side, Liverpool, had made an attempt during the winter transfer window but things didn’t materialise.
Leaving Real Madrid is always difficult, but a move to City could give the Brazilian the much-needed chance to start things afresh. Etihad needs two right-backs now as the position remains completely vacant for Danilo, and he can expect a better wage.
The upcoming 2018 World Cup makes things more complicated for the player. Staying in Carvajal’s shadows isn’t going to help the former Santos star, where he earned his first national call-up back in 2011. He could only play 15 times since then, and Premier League could him the needed limelight.
