Danilo Rejects Zenit Offer as Botafogo Sets €40 Million Price Tag

Botafogo has set a minimum asking price of €40 million for midfielder Danilo, who recently rejected a transfer offer from Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg. The 24-year-old Brazilian international, who has been a key player for Botafogo since joining from Nottingham Forest in July 2025, is seeking opportunities in more competitive European leagues ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to reports from Brazilian media outlets including FogãoNET and Terra, Danilo declined Zenit’s formal proposal of €25 million, stating his preference to wait for offers from higher-profile leagues. The player, who has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 16 appearances for Botafogo in the 2026 season, believes a move to Russia would limit his visibility on the international stage.

Botafogo’s stance is firm: the club will not enter negotiations for less than €40 million. This valuation is supported by recent transfer history, including the rejection of a €30 million offer from Fulham in September 2025 and the dismissal of an initial €8 million bid from Palmeiras for 50% of Danilo’s rights in early 2026. Botafogo originally signed Danilo for €22 million from Nottingham Forest, making him the club’s most expensive signing to date.