Manchester City have continued their spending spree to improve their defensive depth, this time with the acquisition of full-back Danilo from Spanish giants Real Madrid. The deal is for 5 years and fee believed to be £26.5 million.
Danilo was pleased with his move to the Etihad Stadium:
“It’s a big day and a pleasure to be part of this team,” I hope to meet the expectations. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and I would love to win the Champions League with Manchester City.”
It seems Pep Guardiola was a huge factor in his move:
“Of course, he’s been very important because I love his playing style and he’s convinced me in the talks we have had.
“I’m looking forward to working with him. He’s been one reason but it’s also the ambitious project of the club that convinced me to come.
Fantasy Football Potential
Danilo has a lot of potential and is certainly a very good buy for Manchester City. However, with the signings of Kyle Walker & Benjamin Mendy the question is where will he feature?
He made 24 appearances in the 2016/17 season with Real Madrid, only 1 being a sub on one occasion. He seemed to be rotated between himself and Daniel Carvajal at right back. However, in the La Liga Danilo managed 1 goal and 2 assists in 17 appearances while maintaining a passing percentage of 86% (crossing inc), which is a superb return.
With Benjamin Mendy injured for the first week or two of the season, Guardiola will opt to show Danilos’ versatility by placing him left back as he has in pre-season. Although, when Mendy returns from injury it’ll be interesting to see whether Danilo takes a step back and ends up more of a rotation player, as he can also pay in midfield.
In my opinion Danilo may be a one to be watched in pre season and throughout opening gameweeks. Priced at 5.5m I feel he may be a risk as Guardiola has a difficult task in hand for a consistent starting XI. I think picking a guaranteed starter such as Van Aanholt (5.5m) or Charlie Daniels (5.0m) may be better money spent.
Manchester City’s’ opening fixtures are as followes; Brighton (A), Everton (H), Bournemouth (A), Liverpool (H) & Watford (A).
If you have enjoyed this view of the fantasy potential of those moving teams this transfer window, be sure to check the others here.
Written by James Milburn (@jamesmilburn95)
