Rangers have reportedly proposed a 24-year-old Brazilian forward currently on the books at Feyenoord — along with a cash sweetener of £15 million to Celtic in exchange for James, their legendary one‑club winger and most decorated player ever.
- Danilo: A high‑potential frontman linked with Rangers’ ambitions to boost pace and creativity up front . Earlier reports suggest Rangers had prepared offers of around €7 million (£6 million) plus add‑ons for Danilo, indicating the club’s serious interest .
- James Forrest: A Celtic stalwart with over 500 appearances, 94 goals, and 26 major honours. He’s the club’s most decorated player ever and rightly earned hero status among supporters ().
This is not a simple player-for-player swap—it’s effectively offering £15 million plus Danilo, valuing Forrest at a massive premium compared to typical intra-Old Firm transfers.
2. James Forrest: Celtic Icon
A Legacy Built on Loyalty and Performance
- Homegrown star: Joined Celtic academy in 2003, debuted in 2009‑10, and has remained a one‑club man ever since .
- Trophy haul: Winner of 13 league titles, seven Scottish Cups, and six League Cups — a total of 26 major honours, making him Celtic’s most decorated player ever .
- Consistency and magic: Scored in 16 consecutive seasons, including a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against St Mirren in April 2025 .
- Emotional value: Part of pivotal Old Firm games, European nights, and critical league moments. Debutante manager Neil Lennon called him “one of the most exciting players Celtic have ever had” .
Present-Day Role
Although Forrest’s game time has gradually reduced—with fewer starts under Brendan Rodgers—he remains a potent “super‑sub” and embodies Celtic’s attacking depth (). He has publicly affirmed his commitment to the club and indicated he may extend his contract into 2026 ().
3. Danilo: Rangers’ New Fifth Gear
Who Is He?
- Background: Brazilian forward acquired by Rangers in 2023 from Feyenoord for an initial fee reportedly near €7 million (£6 million) ().
- Fan excitement: Perceived as “Cifuentes 2.0” — a potential game-changer with pace and power — he garnered significant attention from Rangers supporters .
Performance & Fitness
- Promise yet to fully materialise: Danilo endured a major knee injury in December 2024 but is nearing full recovery ().
- Rangers ambition: Philippe Clement and the Ibrox hierarchy believe he could add a new dimension to their attack — hence the bold swap-plus-cash offer.
4. Fan & Media Reactions
Celtic Supporters
Outrage, disbelief, sentimental outrage, and resignation dominate their response:
“I will be sad to say goodbye to James a true club legend”
“Jokes aside, would be gutting to see him go…his goals and contribution…guarantee him a lasting place in our history.”
Yet, a minority thinks it may be time for Forrest to depart:
“I’m only sad it didn’t happen years ago.”
“If we finally rid ourselves of the menace of James Forrest this window will have been a success.”
Rangers Supporters
Mixed feelings: excitement about acquiring a Celtic icon; but also nostalgia and sympathy for a player revered north of the river.
Social & Media Commentary
- Shock headline: Few have seen such a radical inter-club negotiation, particularly given the focus on offloading, not acquiring, each other’s legends.
- Financial jab: Celtic are known to maintain strict valuations (e.g., placing a £25 million price tag on younger players), so the £15 million+Danilo may be underwhelming for management — even if emotionally potent .
5. Financial & Sporting Implications
For Rangers
- A statement of intent: Proposing to pay £15 million plus a player signals serious transfer ambition.
- Risk vs reward: Danilo hasn’t proved fully fit or consistent post-injury; sacrificing Danilo means betting on alternatives up front.
For Celtic
- Squad rebalancing: If Rodgers wants a younger winger or budget for reinforcement, the financial gain could benefit long-term building.
- Backlash risk: Selling a living legend to a rival could shock fans and destabilise dressing-room morale.
Market Perspective
- Swap deals are rare in high-profile football; this one features two cross-town rivals, cash, and a popular selling price — it’s more akin to a blockbuster movie script than usual transfer dealings.
6. Cultural & Emotional Fallout
Celtic’s Identity
Losing Forrest — a local lad and fan favourite — to Rangers could leave a deep wound, overshadowing the financial reasoning. He is woven into Celtic folklore, and his departure, especially to their arch-rivals, could be deemed unforgivable by many supporters.
Rangers’ Provocation
Bringing in Forrest would delight fans, but it might also deepen the rivalry and create major backlash. It would be akin to a symbolic coup — taking one of Celtic’s most decorated sons — amplifying the psychological battle region-wide.
7. Likelihood & Next Steps
As of now, the suggestion remains speculative. There’s no official confirmation from either club. Given usual sensitivities — Celtic’s valuation of Forrest, Rangers’ willingness to part with Danilo, and the cross-rival tensions involved — negotiations would hinge on:
- Celtic’s valuation: Can Rangers meet or surpass the reported £25 million target in effect?
- Forrest’s agreement: Would he consent to a high-profile switch across the city, at age 33, with possible legacy fallout?
- Danilo’s future: Does Celtic see use in a recovering, unproven striker from a rival? Would Rodgers back that?
At present, all we have are intense rumours and social-media reaction — no official bid or denials yet.
8. Historical Comparison
Few swaps can match the symbolism here:
- Modern precedent: High-profile swaps rarely involve more than fringe players — especially between bitter adversaries.
- Scottish context: Direct deals between Rangers and Celtic are almost unheard of, especially involving first-team stars and meaningful cash.
- Emotional stakes: Allowing Forrest to cross the divide would provoke seismic reactions; Celtic may resist even if financially tempted.
9. Conclusion: The Deal of the Century?
This reported Danilo + £15 million for James Forrest deal is bold, poignant, and captures the imagination — but is it realistic?
- Sporting sense: Rangers risk surrendering a young striker; Celtic may not want an aging player at risk of collapse in Old Firm fixtures.
- Financial fairness: Celtic would likely expect more — or at least demand a player with consistent top-flight output.
- Fan reaction: The transfer could galvanise the supporters on both sides, for better or worse.
Until clubs make official statements, this remains a cruiser into uncharted waters — a potential “deal of the century” in Scottish football, or just another transfer rumour destined to vanish.
Potential Follow-Up Scenarios
| Scenario | Rangers Outcome | Celtic Outcome | Wider Impact |
| Full swap (cash + Danilo) | Major boost, instant headlines, risk of backlash | Windfall + immediate squad reshuffle | Deepens rivalry; potential Old Firm headlines |
| Cash only (with buyout) | Cash saved but no striker arrival | Safe sale, squad cash injection | Leaves rivalry unaltered; less controversial |
| No deal | Retains Danilo; may budget differently | Keeps Forrest, fans relieved | Status quo; both manage internally |
Final Thoughts
The headline “Rangers offer Danilo + £15 million for James Forrest” is sensational. But despite its allure, football transfers are rarely so cinematic. Celtic’s emotional bond with Forrest, combined with financial valuation, means any such deal would be turbulent and fiercely debated.
Still, the mere existence of the rumor shows Rangers are thinking big — and Celtic’s veteran legend remains a talking point even at 33. Whether this will be an actual transfer or just fireworks is uncertain — but it’s a story capturing the heart of Scottish football’s oldest rivalry.
