If a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes is believed to be true, Real Madrid are eyeing a January swoop for Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo. But they are not alone in the hunt as the young Brazilian has been on Liverpool’s radar since the summer window.
The 22-year-old Selecao youngster spent the academy years at São Caetano, ECUS, São Bernardo, União Barbarense and Corinthians before breaking into the latter’s senior squad in 2023. He made 27 first-team appearances and his resolute defending convinced the Forest board to splash €12m (with an additional €3m in potential add-ons) to secure his services.
Soon he cemented a first-team status in the heart of the backline and featured 32 times in the Premier League during the 2023-24 season. He has not missed a league minute so far in this campaign and Forest, currently fifth in the standings, have conceded only 10 goals, making them the second-best defensive outfit after Liverpool. Meanwhile, the Garibaldi remain the only team to beat Arne Slot’s army by securing a clean sheet at Anfield.
Eder Militao’s season-ending ACL injury against Osasuna has decimated Los Blancos in deep defence. David Alaba is still recovering from last December’s knee operation, and the summer departure of veteran Nacho leaves them with only one fit senior centre-half in Antonio Rudiger. Jesús Vallejo has hardly featured over the years and is even below Raúl Asencio, the 21-year-old Castilla defender in the pecking order.
Why Real Madrid Must Snap Up Murillo
Although Asencio impressed on his debut having appeared as Militao’s replacement, Real Madrid would require reinforcements to recover from form and fitness concerns. They were after Leny Yoro for quite some time but eventually lost the transfer race to Manchester United early into the summer window. The Champions of Europe opted not to rope in an alternative for some unspecified reasons.
The risk did not pay off as the Blancos are now in desperate need of another central defender. While they must be assessing multiple options, Murillo’s profile ticks many boxes thanks to his no-nonsense defending, tactical awareness and ground coverage.
Having said that, Nottingham Forest would prefer not to part ways with their prized asset. They have him contracted at City Ground till the summer of 2028 but, at the same time, might admit defeat to Real’s profile and pull power. Murillo’s exit should serve as a significant blow for Nuno Espirito Santo, however, the West Bridgford side are expected to make a hefty profit if the Spanish hotshots step up the chase in the due course of time.
