- Danilo loan spell at NEC yields one goal in 12 games, failing to revive Rangers career prospects.
- Stunning stoppage-time volley vs Feyenoord highlights flashes of quality despite overall inconsistency in Netherlands.
- Corinthians interest grows as striker signals openness to emotional return to Brazil this summer.
Danilo’s long-term future at Rangers appears increasingly uncertain, with the Brazilian striker edging towards a summer crossroads after a difficult loan spell at NEC Nijmegen and growing openness to a return to his homeland, most notably to boyhood club Corinthians.
The 27-year-old joined NEC on loan in January to revive his stalled momentum after slipping down the pecking order at Ibrox.
However, his impact in the Netherlands has been limited, returning just one goal in 12 appearances in the Eredivisie.
Danilo makes Dutch history
Despite that underwhelming return, the striker’s career has not been without its moments of significance during his spell in Nijmegen.
One of the standout highlights came against his former club Feyenoord.
During which Danilo struck a dramatic seventh-minute stoppage-time volley into the bottom corner to secure NEC’s record points total in the Dutch top flight.
“I am very relieved that I scored my first goal,” he said afterwards.
“Especially because I had missed a big chance just before that. If the goal hadn’t come, I would have been really bothered by it. I would certainly have lain awake at night.”
Danilo career so far
The goal briefly offered a reminder of the finishing instinct that once persuaded Rangers to invest €6.3m in him.
His wider career trajectory has been shaped by a youth path through Brazilian football, including spells at Corinthians, Ponte Preta, Vasco da Gama and Santos, before his move to Europe and eventual breakthrough in the Netherlands.
That early promise, however, has not fully translated into consistency during his time in Glasgow due to a number of injury issues.
NEC not likely to take up option on forward
Now under contract at Rangers until 2028, Danilo’s situation has become increasingly complex.
NEC held an option to make his loan permanent, but Dutch reports suggest that scenario is now unlikely.
“Looking at [Danilo’s] performances, it doesn’t seem likely NEC will make decision,” he said.
Readrangers.com analysis – Jack Cranmer
With a permanent move to Nijmegen appearing doubtful and a return to Rangers offering no clear pathway into the first-team picture, attention has shifted towards Brazil, and in particular Corinthians, who have previously expressed interest in the forward.
Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Danilo acknowledged the emotional pull of a return to his roots and left the door open to a move back to South America.
“It would be an honor for me,” he said when asked about a potential return to Corinthians.
That admission is likely to intensify speculation ahead of the summer window.
With the South American giants long monitoring attacking reinforcements and the player himself signalling a willingness to consider the opportunity.
As things stand, all indicators point away from both Nijmegen and Ibrox.
And increasingly towards a potential homecoming that would bring his European chapter to an end.
