Danilo Pereira expected to leave Porto this summer - and dreams of playing in England
For a while now, the expectation has been that this will be Danilo Pereira’s final season at FC Porto, with the defensive midfielder likely to want to test himself in a different division.
Portuguese international Danilo, who has played for the senior national team 37 times, has been with Porto since 2015, and captained the side this season as he played 38 matches across all competitions.
The commanding defensive midfielder has been an integral part of Porto’s team for the past five seasons, but is clearly keen on embarking on a new challenge - and the Premier League seems to be the most ilkely destination.
Back in October, it was reported that Danilo Pereira would be leaving at the end of the season - and now we have arrived at that point, it seems that will be the case.
In a video interview on Yahoo Sport, Danilo Pereira confirmed that he was keen to try a new challenge - and the English game was of particular interest to him. He said: “I like to be here in Porto, to be here in my country, but I want to be in a better league like the [English] Premier League.”
“I always dreamed about playing in that league. I think it’s the best league in the world.”
Danilo will certainly find plenty of suitors in England, with Wolves undoubtedly one club that could accomodate his talent, particularly with their rich Portuguese connection.
However, one club that have been linked with a move for Danilo extensively over the last month is Arsenal - and Danilo did suggest that a move to The Emirates would be of interest to him.
“Arsenal play very good football. The style - I think I can fit there. The way they play, thinking on the ball, the team always has to be together. I think it is a good way to play.”
You can watch the entire interview here, where he also discusses Bruno Fernandes’ impact at Manchester United and the defensive midfielder that inspired him.
Danilo Pereira playing for Portugal. Photo author: Clément Bucco-Lechat. License link.
