According to a report by Football Insider, Murillo is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are eager to reinforce their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 23-year-old Nottingham Forest mainstay has emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit.
However, the Premier League champions are behind Chelsea in the battle for the South American defender’s signature. The report has suggested that Nottingham Forest’s price tag may fall below £50 million if they suffer relegation from the Premier League. However, a report by Caught Offside has suggested that the Tricky Trees want around £60-70 million to part ways with him.
Murillo has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League since joining Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in August 2023. The 23-year-old was hot off the blocks at the City Ground, and he has made significant progress in the last two and a half years, becoming a mainstay at the back for the Tricky Trees.
The youngster has made 100 appearances for Nottingham Forest thus far while chipping in with three goals and two assists. Meanwhile, the Brazilian defender’s exploits have helped him break into his national side, and he made his senior bow last year. Additionally, his exploits have piqued the attention of several top-class clubs. Chelsea and Liverpool will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool’s interest in Murillo is understandable. The Reds are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, as Ibrahima Konate has entered the final six months of his contract. While Liverpool will attempt to tie the French international to a new deal, it is unclear if he will continue his stint with the Merseyside club. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career.
As for Chelsea, Axel Disasi has no future at Stamford Bridge, while Benoit Badiashile’s long-term situation is uncertain. While Levi Colwill will return from a long-term knee injury-induced layoff in a few months, the Blues need a long-term central defensive partner for him. So, the Nottingham Forest defender is a viable target for Chelsea.
The latest report has suggested that the Blues are the front-runners to sign the 23-year-old Brazilian international after “having done the most extensive background work” on the player. However, it is unclear how much Nottingham Forest will demand to sell Murillo. While Football Insider has suggested that the price tag may fall below £50 million if they suffer relegation from the Premier League, Caught Offside has claimed that the Tricky Trees want around £60-70 million.
