Journalist Pete O’Rourke has backed Liverpool to “reignite” their interest in Nottingham Forest ace Murillo, with the Reds willing to “spend big” on him.
Virgil van Dijk is in the final year of his current Reds deal, so there is a chance that one of the greatest players in the club’s history departs next summer.
If that does happen, Liverpool will need to sign a proven top-level central defender to accompany young stars Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, ensuring there is enough experience at the heart of the defence.
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke talked up the idea of the Reds making a move for Murillo in 2027, with the report also saying them and Chelsea are happy to “spend big” on him:
“Murillo has been a previous target for Manchester United because of how well he’s done for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. It’ll be a really difficult deal to do because he only signed a new long term deal last May to keep him at the City Ground until 2030.
“There will be a lot of competition for his services as well, Chelsea are long-term admirers of Murillo and they could be tempted to make a move if he becomes available. Liverpool have been linked with him as well in the past and they could reignite that interest because of their issues at centre-back as well.
“I can’t see anything happening in January due to Forest not needing the money, and they have put a huge price tag on Murillo’s head because of his contract situation. Nothing’s going to happen until the summer, and we’ll see what other clubs are maybe interested in Murillo then as well.”
Could Murillo be a strong Virgil van Dijk successor?
Hopefully, Van Dijk signs a contract extension at Liverpool, considering he remains one of the best centre-backs in the world, but they have to be prepared for that happening.
In Murillo, the Merseysiders would be signing a proven Premier League player, with the Brazilian a tenacious figure who has been lauded by former Forest teammate Joe Worrall:
“Murillo is an amazing talent. One thing I can say is he’s a real good kid and he’s someone who works hard in training. He’s a fighter and clearly knows what it takes to get to the level because he’s performing at it now – he’s no fluke. He’s a really strong character and someone who has taken that leap of faith to come over from South America to Europe.”
For all of Murillo’s plus points, though, there is the risk that he may not quite be at the level required for Liverpool, in terms of his use of the ball from the back.
The 24-year-old is more old school in style, excelling at the grittier aspects of defending, and while that can be great at a club like Forest, with all due respect, more is required for the Reds.
For that reason, Liverpool would be wise to target more of a ball-playing centre-back at the end of the season, but hopefully, Van Dijk will still be at the club, lessening the need for a new signing.
