Liverpool are eyeing Nottingham Forest’s defensive mainstay Murillo as the ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in acquiring the services of Murillo. The Brazilian centre-back has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League and the Reds are looking to add him to their ranks as they consider him an ideal replacement for their mainstay Virgil van Dijk.
Murillo came up the ranks at Corinthians. He was already a highly talked about player while he was still playing at the youth level. He got promoted to the Brazilian club’s first team at the start of 2023 and eventually ended up joining Nottingham Forest in the summer.
He seems to have taken his game to another level since joining the Tricky Trees. The 22-year-old centre-back has featured in 45 matches for the Premier League outfit. His consistent performances have helped him make quite a name for himself.
While his contract at Nottingham runs until the summer of 2028, there is a significant amount of interest in his nature which suggests he could soon be on the move. Liverpool have emerged as a potential destination for the Brazilian defenders.
Liverpool’s search for Virgil van Dijk’s successor
The Reds are on the lookout for a new central defender. They lack depth at the back and with Virgil van Dijk’s contract running out, Murillo seems to be an ideal long-term replacement of their skipper.
The Dutch international’s current deal runs out at the end of the season and he has already confirmed that he has been holding talks with the Merseyside club. But, that doesn’t guarantee his continuity.
The veteran centre-back could look to leave Liverpool in search of a new challenge elsewhere. As a result, the Reds want to be prepared for life without their defensive mainstay. They have identified Murillo as the best possible long-term replacement for their star centre-back.
The Brazilian defender has been a consistent performer for Nottingham and he has played a massive part in their successful start to the new campaign as they find themselves 7th on the points table.
While the Tricky Trees do not want to let go of their defensive sensation any time soon and a move in the January window doesn’t seem to be possible, a huge offer could force the club to sell him at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Forest are yet to place a price tag but the report suggests they could consider an offer of around £60 to £70 million.
