# John Textor Transfer Plot Thickens as Danilo Deal Pivots from Lyon to Botafogo

The latest **John Textor transfer** saga has taken a dramatic turn, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo now the centre of a strategic pivot from Olympique Lyonnais to fellow Eagle Football Holdings club, Botafogo. The American businessman, known for his multi-club ownership model, has been forced to alter his plans after Lyon’s pursuit of the Brazilian star was thwarted by financial constraints imposed by French football’s financial watchdog.

This development highlights the complex and often challenging nature of managing a network of international football clubs. While the initial plan was to bolster Lyon’s midfield with the talented 23-year-old, regulatory hurdles in France have prompted Textor to redirect the promising player towards his Brazilian outfit, Botafogo, who are now reportedly in active negotiations with Nottingham Forest.

## Lyon’s Financial Handcuffs: The DNCG Steps In

Olympique Lyonnais’ ambition to sign Danilo was brought to an abrupt halt by the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), the organisation responsible for monitoring the financial accounts of professional football clubs in France. The DNCG has placed Lyon under strict financial supervision, limiting their spending capacity in the current transfer window. This measure is designed to ensure the club’s long-term financial stability but has had the immediate consequence of scuppering high-profile deals.

The inability to secure Danilo is a significant blow for Lyon, who are looking to rebuild and compete at the top of Ligue 1 after a turbulent season. The move would have been a statement of intent, but the DNCG’s ruling left Textor and the Lyon board with no choice but to withdraw their interest. This situation underscores the stringent financial fair play regulations that govern European football, which can impact even the most ambitious of owners. For a deeper understanding of these regulations, one can look at the official rules outlined by governing bodies like Ligue 1’s governing body.

### The Strategic Pivot to Botafogo

Never one to be easily deterred, John Textor has swiftly shifted his focus. Instead of abandoning the pursuit of Danilo altogether, he is leveraging his multi-club network. The new plan involves bringing the Nottingham Forest player to Botafogo, the Rio de Janeiro-based club that forms a key part of his Eagle Football portfolio.

For Botafogo, the potential arrival of Danilo would be a monumental signing. Having recently returned to the top flight of Brazilian football, the club is eager to re-establish itself as a national powerhouse. Signing a player with Premier League experience who is entering his prime years would send a powerful message to their rivals and energize the fanbase. The move makes sense from a footballing perspective, as Danilo would be returning to his home country and a league he understands well, having previously starred for Palmeiras. This particular **John Textor transfer** would be seen as a major coup for the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

## Analyzing the John Textor Transfer Strategy

This entire episode offers a fascinating insight into the modern multi-club ownership model. The ability to pivot a major **John Textor transfer** target from a European club to a South American one showcases the flexibility and strategic depth that such a network provides. While Lyon misses out, the Eagle Football group as a whole could still retain a prized asset.

#### Who is Danilo?
Danilo dos Santos de Oliveira, known simply as Danilo, made a name for himself at Palmeiras, where he won multiple titles, including two Copa Libertadores trophies. His impressive performances as a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder earned him a move to Nottingham Forest in January 2023 for a fee of around £16 million.

He played a crucial role in helping Forest secure their Premier League survival in the 2022-23 season, scoring three goals in the final six games. While his second season was impacted by injuries, his quality is undeniable. His potential departure would be a talking point for Forest, who must decide if the offer from Botafogo meets their valuation and how they would replace a player of his calibre. The ongoing negotiations will be a test of Textor’s deal-making prowess and Forest’s resolve. This complex **John Textor transfer** negotiation demonstrates the interconnectedness of the global football market.

This story continues to evolve, and you can find updates on this and more for more news. The outcome will not only determine Danilo’s next destination but will also serve as a major case study for the future of multi-club ownership in world football.