Liverpool’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo is becoming more complicated as elite Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly entered the fray for the 22-year-old Brazilian.
The Reds were believed to be the front-runners for the talented defender, but the growing interest from La Liga giants has added a new layer of intrigue to this potential transfer saga.
Murillo, who joined Forest from Corinthians in August 2023 for a bargain £12.5 million, has made a significant impact at the City Ground. His performances in the heart of the defence have quickly established him as one of the Premier League’s rising stars. His strong performances for Forest have caught the attention of multiple top clubs, not just in England but across Europe, which is a testament to his rapid development and solid performances in the Premier League.
Nottingham Forest’s defensive solidity has been one of the key factors in their strong start to the 2024-2025 season, with Murillo playing a pivotal role in their impressive record. Partnered with Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo has helped Forest concede just 10 goals in their first 11 matches, a record that has kept them firmly within the top five of the Premier League table. Murillo’s maturity and composure in the heart of the Forest defence have been crucial to their early season success, and it’s clear that he is ready for the next step in his career.
This has led to growing speculation surrounding the future of the young Brazilian, with Liverpool emerging as a key suitor. The Reds are understood to be in the market for a central defender, especially given Virgil van Dijk’s uncertain future at Anfield. The veteran Dutchman’s contract is winding down, and Liverpool may look to replace him with a younger, more dynamic option. However, even if Van Dijk stays beyond next summer, the Reds are still reportedly keen on adding Murillo to their defensive ranks, underscoring the Brazilian’s rising stock in world football.
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While Liverpool has made clear their interest, they are not alone in the race for Murillo. Spanish publications have confirmed that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been monitoring the defender’s progress. These two clubs, perennial powerhouses in European football, pose a serious threat to Liverpool’s chances of securing Murillo’s signature. Real Madrid, in particular, has been looking to bolster their defensive options, and Murillo could be seen as an ideal fit for the Los Blancos’ future plans. Barcelona, too, has an eye on young talent to strengthen their squad, and Murillo’s potential makes him an attractive option for both La Liga giants.
Nottingham Forest, for their part, are keen to retain Murillo for as long as possible. However, with the inevitable interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, it’s understood that Forest may be open to considering offers in the £60m-£70m range. This valuation would represent a significant profit on the £12.5 million they paid for him just over a year ago, and such a sum could prove too good for the club to turn down, especially if it is matched by one of the interested parties.
The situation presents a delicate balancing act for Forest, as they must weigh the value of keeping Murillo as a key part of their defence against the potential windfall from a major transfer. With the Premier League’s financial muscle, Liverpool may be able to meet Forest’s asking price, but it remains to be seen if either of the Spanish giants will decide to outbid the Reds for the Brazilian’s services. As the transfer window approaches, these discussions are likely to intensify.
For Murillo, the prospect of playing for one of Europe’s top clubs is undoubtedly an exciting one. However, the young defender has expressed his desire to take things one step at a time, focusing on his current performances with Forest and his potential Brazil debut. Murillo is set to make his first appearance for the Brazilian national team during the current international break, a significant milestone in his career. The opportunity to represent his country on the international stage will only further enhance his profile and increase his attractiveness to top clubs.
In a recent press conference, Murillo spoke about his excitement at the prospect of earning his first cap for Brazil. He also reflected on the influence of Thiago Silva, the legendary former Chelsea defender who has been an idol for Murillo throughout his career. “I know the quality of the national team in this defensive phase, with a solid backbone,” Murillo said. “A defender I’ve always watched and played against last year, who is my idol, is Thiago Silva.”
The influence of Silva, a stalwart of Brazil’s defensive line and a key figure in Chelsea’s success in recent years, is evident in Murillo’s game. His admiration for the veteran defender highlights his aspiration to follow in Silva’s footsteps and become a key figure at the top level of European football. As he continues to develop, Murillo’s growing reputation will undoubtedly lead to more suitors knocking at Forest’s door.
As Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Barcelona all monitor his situation, the Brazilian’s future is set to become one of the most talked-about transfer sagas in European football. With his price tag continuing to rise and his performances in the Premier League attracting attention, Murillo is undoubtedly a player in high demand. It remains to be seen where his next move will take him, but one thing is clear—he has the potential to be one of the most sought-after defenders in the game.
While Forest will be keen to hold on to one of their most important players, the reality of modern football means that top clubs will always be lurking for the next big talent. Murillo’s talent, combined with his recent breakthrough performances, has placed him firmly on the radar of the biggest clubs in Europe, and it will take a significant offer for Forest to turn down the interest.
As the January transfer window draws nearer, the battle for Murillo’s signature will only intensify. Liverpool, with their clear need for a top-tier centre-back, will undoubtedly remain one of the front-runners, but with Real Madrid and Barcelona now involved, the race has become more complicated. Forest will need to carefully consider their options, and Murillo’s next move could well shape the future of the Premier League, La Liga, and European football as a whole.
