Liverpool look set to be in the market for a defender or two during 2025.
The Reds have been rock-solid at the back in the early knockings of the season, but may need to switch things up either in January or over the summer.
Liverpool have not signed a new centre-back since 2021. And although Jarell Quansah has come through during that period, question marks over Virgil van Dijk’s future mean another addition is long overdue.
Van Dijk has been excellent alongside Ibrahima Konate to restrict opponents to just six goals in 11 Premier League matches this season.
But given the Dutchman’s age and contract situation, there needs to be some succession planning going on within the Liverpool squad.
And as the Liverpool owners consider their options carefully, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo looks set to be one of those coming into the equation.
Liverpool set to make Murillo decision
Murillo has had a really good season with Nottingham Forest. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have the second best defence in the Premier League and the Brazilian has been a huge part of that.
As a result, this has led to claims that Murillo is being watched by Liverpool as they weigh up their next defensive signing.
Since his arrival for just £15m in 2023, the 22-year-old has marked himself out as a potentially special centre-back.
Nevertheless, there have been reports that Forest want as much as £80m to sell Murillo. There are question marks over whether he is worth quite that much.
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Consequently, TeamTALK report that Liverpool are set to wait until the end of the season before deciding if they will ‘pull the trigger’ on Murillo.
The former Corinthians player is reportedly not for sale in January anyway, with Forest said to be taking a hard stance not to let him go.
This is not claimed to be an issue for Liverpool, though, with the Reds reportedly set to monitor Murillo for the rest of the season before arriving at a decision later in 2025.
Liverpool should think carefully about Murillo swoop
With TeamTALK also suggesting that Real Madrid are interested in Murillo, Liverpool have competition here.
Despite that, Forest’s stance on not selling the recent Brazil call-up in the New Year could help the Reds.
They have no real need to add another centre-back immediately and the extra time spent watching Murillo will help them come to a decision on whether he is worth the money.
There are far cheaper options out there for Liverpool and if Van Dijk ends up staying, there is really no need to splurge £80m on another centre-back, not with Konate in such good form.
But if the captain does leave next summer, then it may be worth going all-in to get who Liverpool see as the very best, whatever the cost. Ian Wright claimed Murillo is ‘so good on the ball‘ and he may be the next big thing. The next six months will give us all the answers.
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