Danilo’s time at Rangers has been a rollercoaster of expectations, setbacks, and growing anticipation, with his story still unfolding in Glasgow. When he arrived at Ibrox, he was hailed as the most expensive player signed by the club since Ryan Kent, and his signing marked a significant statement of intent by Rangers to compete at the highest level. The Brazilian striker, with his pedigree from São Paulo, was viewed as the player who could bring added flair and potency to Rangers’ attack, a vital asset for a team with aspirations of domestic and European success. However, little did anyone know at the time that Danilo’s first two seasons at the club would be interrupted by a series of injury struggles that would put a damper on what was supposed to be a triumphant arrival.
The initial excitement around Danilo quickly turned into frustration for both the player and the fans, as his debut season was plagued by injury woes. It seemed like just as he was starting to find his feet and make an impact in the team, a significant knee injury derailed his first campaign with the club. Danilo’s injury layoff was a crushing blow to both him and Rangers, as it left the team without a key attacking player for much of the season. There was a brief glimmer of hope when he appeared to be recovering and finding his groove before his season was cut short. That injury ultimately left Rangers fans wondering what could have been if he had managed to stay fit and showcase his talents over a more extended period.
As the 2023-24 campaign kicked off, there was hope that this would be the season where Danilo could finally put his injury problems behind him and make a real impact at Rangers. However, that hope was dashed once again as a shoulder injury sidelined him for another stretch of time. The latest setback has been particularly disheartening, as Danilo was showing signs of progress before the injury hit, and his absence has been felt in the Rangers attack. The constant disruptions to his fitness have made it incredibly difficult for Danilo to find a rhythm, and it’s been a challenging time for a player who was expected to be a key figure in the team. Despite these setbacks, though, there are signs that things may be about to turn around.
Philippe Clement, the current Rangers manager, provided a much-needed boost of optimism in his post-match comments after the 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle. Clement revealed that Danilo was closing in on a return to full training and would soon be able to train with contact, which is a significant step toward his eventual return to the pitch. Along with Danilo, Connor Barron and Dujon Sterling are also expected to rejoin training, which is a positive development for Rangers as they look to strengthen their squad for the crucial months ahead. For Danilo, the prospect of getting back into the fold is especially important, as his return could be the catalyst that helps propel Rangers through the remainder of the season.
Though Danilo’s time on the field has been limited, his contributions when fit have been promising. Despite making just eight starts and 18 appearances in total this season, Danilo has managed to score seven goals, a commendable return considering his injury issues. His ability to find the back of the net, even with his limited game time, highlights his potential to make a significant impact when he is fully fit. Rangers fans have seen glimpses of what Danilo is capable of, and his impressive goal-scoring ability remains a key reason why they continue to have hope that he can be the player they invested in. If he can stay healthy for the remainder of the season, there’s little doubt that Danilo can become a pivotal figure in Rangers’ pursuit of success, especially in Europe.
As Rangers’ domestic campaign fades into the background, with their focus now on salvaging pride and gaining some momentum for next season, the Europa League has become the primary avenue for success. With a top-eight finish secured in the group stages, Rangers now look ahead to the knockout rounds, and the inclusion of Danilo in their Europa League squad represents a significant boost. Due to his injury struggles earlier in the season, Danilo was omitted from Rangers’ initial Europa League squad, a decision that further highlighted how his injuries had affected his integration into the team. However, with his return to fitness on the horizon, the Brazilian striker has been named in the squad for the upcoming Europa League knockouts, much to the relief of fans and management alike.
Rangers will face one of Fenerbahce, Anderlecht, FC Twente, or Bodo/Glimt in the last 16, and the competition will be fierce. These teams are all formidable in their own right, and the Europa League is always filled with tough opponents. To make a real push for the quarterfinals and beyond, Rangers will need their most talented players to be at their best. Danilo’s inclusion in the squad for the knockout rounds comes as a clear indication that the coaching staff sees him as a key part of the team’s European ambitions. His skill, pace, and goal-scoring instincts could prove to be invaluable in these high-stakes encounters. With the pressure mounting on Rangers to deliver in Europe, having a player of Danilo’s quality back in the mix could be the difference-maker that sees them progress further in the tournament.
Rangers’ ambitions in Europe are far from over, and if they manage to mount a serious challenge in this season’s Europa League, Danilo could play a pivotal role in their journey. As the most expensive player in the squad, expectations are high, but the investment in him was made with the long-term future of the club in mind. If Danilo can stay fit for the remainder of the season, he has the potential to justify that £6 million price tag and become one of the club’s most influential players. His contribution in Europe, in particular, could cement his place as a key figure in the squad, with the possibility of a Europa League run providing a fitting conclusion to a season that has been filled with frustration and missed opportunities for the Brazilian.
Ultimately, the true value of Danilo’s time at Rangers will not be judged by his struggles or injury setbacks but by what he can achieve once he returns to full fitness. Rangers fans are hoping that the next chapter of Danilo’s story will be one of success, with the striker contributing in key moments and proving that the £6 million investment was well worth it. The season is far from over, and if Danilo can stay injury-free and deliver on his potential, he could still play a massive part in Rangers’ quest for glory in both domestic and European competitions. The real story of Danilo at Rangers may only be beginning, and with the promise he has shown, the next few months could define his legacy at Ibrox.