Danilo faces Russell Martin axe despite what Rangers forward has done in summer
Danilo Pereira has impressed during the absence of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane in pre-season.
Dessers and Igamane’s summers have been disrupted by intense interest from AEK Athens and Lille, respectively.
As a result, Danilo has finally been able to show what he is capable of at Ibrox, with the Brazilian getting the nod in their place.
However, Russell Martin has been adamant about keeping his clinical strike duo, and Danilo could still make way in their place.
Dessers and Igamane ‘have to lead the line’ says Keown
Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough on Saturday (26 July) was very revealing for what Martin will do to some of his fringe players in the coming weeks.
For much of the game, the Light Blues’ backline was shaky, but up top, Danilo was one of the few positives as he worked hard to reduce their two-goal deficit.
| Danilo | Scottish Premiership (2024/25) |
| Minutes per goal/assist | 85′ |
The Scottish Mail journalist, Gary Keown, wrote in their print edition (27 July, pg 91): “Danilo, can’t start through the centre again.
“He has been a bit-part player throughout his time at Rangers and is destined to remain so. Igamane and Dessers have to lead the line if remotely fit.”
Danilo joined Rangers in 2023, signing from Eredivisie side Feyenoord in a deal worth up to £6million, but has been unable to match the form of his fellow forwards.
The striker has missed plenty of football since arriving in Glasgow, with knee injuries hindering his form.
Martin has already said that he would like to work out a way in which Igamane and Dessers could play together in the Gers attack, which has fuelled speculation of Danilo’s departure.
With that in mind, the Bears boss has a difficult decision to make against Panathinaikos in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier.
Danilo deserves to start in Panathinaikos game
Rangers are currently 2-0 up after their first leg against the Greek giants.
Danilo started that game and deserves to have another outing as their number nine before Martin decides on whether or not to keep the 26-year-old.
With Igamane and Dessers’ futures still uncertain, Martin could choose to keep Danilo until the closing stages of the transfer window.
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