Marseille star sends message as Rangers loan deal finally agreed
Rangers have completed a deal to send striker Danilo on loan to Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen for the remainder of the season.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday that Rangers were open to offers for Danilo, and the Dutch side came in with a late bid.
NEC are third in the Dutch top flight, and hoped to strengthen ahead of a push for Champions League football.
Danilo was expected to stay at Rangers when Danny Rohl first arrived, with the Brazilian brought back into the fold.
However, with Youssef Chermiti finding form for Rangers in recent weeks, the 26-year-old has once again found minutes hard to come by.
Igor Paixao sends message to Danilo
Igor Paixao and Danilo spent a year together at Feyenoord, where the former left in the summer for Marseille.
The Brazilian had been strongly linked with Leeds United, but ultimately opted for the Champions League with the French side.
| Igor Paixao | Ligue 1 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Chances created | 11 |
| Successful dribbles | 15 |
| Duels won | 53 |
A decision that has backfired in that sense, with Marseille knocked out at the league phase after an incredible last-gasp header by Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin last week.
But Paixao will hope to qualify for the competition once again with the Ligue 1 giants, who are currently third.
The 25-year-old has netted nine goals across all competitions so far this season, and is a key part of Roberto De Zerbi‘s team.
He commented on Danilo’s post on Instagram on Tuesday, which confirmed his arrival at NEC. The striker wrote: “New badge, same heart, all glory to God.“
Paixao replied: “May God bless you greatly, brother!“
Danilo may not return to Rangers
Danilo’s Rangers career has been full of bad luck. The Brazilian has had several injuries over the years, and has struggled to gain the confidence of his managers.
This season felt as if it could be the 26-year-old’s chance to step up in the absence of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, but he has failed to carry the burden.
Danilo was signed for around £6million in 2023, and Rangers can hope to get around £4.7m back if his option to buy is triggered by NEC.
The Gers have signed German striker Ryan Naderi to replace the Brazilian at Ibrox.