Rangers: Danilo's forgetful NEC Nijmegen spell analysed as striker returns to Ibrox

Rangers are set to welcome Danilo back to Ibrox after his loan spell at NEC Nijmegen officially ended.

The Brazilian striker joined the Eredivisie outfit temporarily in the winter transfer window but will be back at the Gers ahead of next season.

While the Dutch outfit had the option to make the 27-year-old centre-forward's move permanent this summer, they opted against it.

Danilo's spell away from Ibrox can be rightly described as poor, as he started just one league game during his time at the Goffertstadion.

The Glaswegian outfit signed the Brazil national for £6million from Feyenoord in 2023, as uncertainty remains around his future in G51.

As things stand, the striker still has two years remaining on his contract in Govan and it remains to be seen what Derek McInnes decides to do with him.

Danilo flops away from Rangers as stats emerge

Danilo left the Gers in the winter transfer window for regular game time after Ryan Naderi's arrival under Danny Rohl.

The centre-forward's return to the Netherlands didn't bear any real fruit as he made 11 Eredivisie appearances, averaging 25 minutes per game.

In the limited opportunities the striker had, he missed four big chances, while recording 0.5 shots on target per game, as per Sofascore.

Danilo scored one goal and provided one assist for NEC, with his limitations on show after winning just 38 per cent of his aerial duels.

Danilo's future assessed under Derek McInnes

McInnes has reunited with Lawrence Shankland at Rangers, with Youssef Chermiti, Bojan Miovski and Naderi also at his disposal.

Danilo's prospects at Ibrox look bleak going into next season as he currently feels like the fifth-choice number nine.

Even if someone like Miovski were to leave the Gers for guaranteed minutes elsewhere, there still arguably wouldn't be any room for the Brazilian striker in the squad.

Danilo has spent a considerable period on the sidelines since his move to Ibrox and fans have been left frustrated due to his lack of availability.

There's clearly no room for the centre-forward in McInnes' plans and it would be best for both parties to find a transfer solution sooner rather than later.