Virgil van Dijk is set to become a free-agent next summer, and time is running out for Liverpool to tie the captain down to a new contract.
The Dutch international, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, could leave Anfield for nothing at the end of this season with Liverpool yet to reach an agreement with Van Dijk over signing a new contract.
Although Van Dijk has been secretive about contract talks with Liverpool, pressure is starting to mount for the Reds to reach an agreement with their captain to commit his future to the Merseyside giants, with the defender still regarded as one of the best in the world.
And Liverpool have now eyed a Premier League centre-back as a potential replacement for Van Dijk.
Murillo identified by Liverpool as top Van Dijk replacement
According to CaughtOffside, Nottingham Forest star Murillo has been identified by Liverpool as one of the top targets to potentially replace Van Dijk, with the 22-year-old Brazilian one of the breakout names in the Premier League this season.
Liverpool were recently linked with Murillo with the Forest youngster a key reason behind the City Ground side’s incredible start to the season under Nuno Espirito Santo, with the Garibaldi in contention for a European spot.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk from his tattoo to net worth
Lauded by Ian Wright as per Wrighty’s House as a ‘brilliant’ defender, interest will be high in Murillo next summer of the Forest titan continues to impress in the Premier League, with Liverpool a realistic destination for the Brazilian.
Indeed, with Liverpool already needing depth in the centre-back position, signing Murillo could be viewed as a great move for the Reds regardless of if Van Dijk leaves next summer, and real consideration should be made in launching a swoop for the former Corinthians star.
Murillo could be the perfect defensive signing for Liverpool
Forest struck gold with the signing of Murillo last year, with the defender establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League and now a senior member of the Brazil national team.
And for Liverpool, Murillo could be the dream defensive signing for next summer, with the 22-year-old showing this season with Forest that he can be a real menace in the Premier League and a key clog for a top team in the division.
With Van Dijk’s future up in the air, Liverpool need to ensure they are first to move for Murillo heading into 2025, with other Premier League sides likely to target the Brazilian if his great form continues for the remainder of the season.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
