Textor Defends Botafogo’s Financial Crisis, Denies £4M Danilo Sale to Nottingham Forest

Botafogo president Textor has publicly addressed the ongoing financial turmoil engulfing the Brazilian football club, denying a reported £4 million attempt to sell star defender Danilo to English Championship side Nottingham Forest. The statements, made during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, come amid allegations that the club’s management has mishandled finances, with Textor blaming the “associative” structure of the club for the crisis.

Textor’s remarks have sparked debate in Brazilian football circles, with critics questioning the club’s transparency and financial strategies. The 58-year-old, who has led Botafogo since 2021, emphasized that he would not take responsibility for “transfer bans created by the social” — a cryptic reference to the club’s complex ownership model, which includes a large number of shareholders.

The £4M Danilo Sale: Denial and Dismissal

A report by Brazilian outlet FogãoNET claimed that Textor had attempted to sell Danilo to Nottingham Forest for £4 million earlier this year. However, Textor categorically denied the allegations, calling the report a “calúnia de Montenegro” — a reference to Marcos Montenegro, a former Botafogo president and vocal critic of the current administration.

“That’s a complete lie,” Textor stated. “I have never negotiated with Nottingham Forest, and I reject the accusation that I’m trying to sell our players for a quick fix. This is a political attack to undermine the club’s stability.”

Danilo, 29, has been a key figure for Botafogo since joining from Manchester City in 2022. His performances have drawn attention from European clubs, but the reported £4 million figure is significantly below market value for a player of his caliber. According to Goal.com, Danilo’s market value is estimated at around £15 million, with interest from Premier League and Bundesliga clubs.

GDA: ‘Credor Tóxico’ and the Financial Web

Textor’s comments extended to his criticism of GDA, a financial entity he described as a “credor tóxico” (toxic creditor). While GDA’s exact role remains unclear, sources indicate the group has been involved in Botafogo’s debt restructuring efforts. Textor accused GDA of exacerbating the club’s financial challenges by imposing “unreasonable terms” on loans.

“GDA is not a partner — they’re a parasite,” Textor said. “They’ve taken advantage of our situation to demand excessive interest rates and control over our finances. This is not sustainable for a club that needs to invest in talent and infrastructure.”

Botafogo’s financial struggles are well-documented. The club, which finished third in the 2023 Brasileirão