Nottingham Forest have made their stance clear that key defender Murillo is not for sale in the January transfer window, despite growing interest from Premier League giants Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. The Brazilian centre-back signed a new long-term contract at the City Ground in May 2025, which runs until the summer of 2030, making him effectively release-proof and allowing Forest to dictate terms on any future deal.
Insiders expect nothing to happen before next summer at the earliest, with any potential move for the 24-year-old commanding a fee comfortably above £55 million. The club’s resolve is strengthened by their current league position, sitting 13th with five points from five games, and a desire to build a stable defence under manager Oliver Glasner. The team has conceded 7 goals in those matches, and their next fixture is a trip to face Crystal Palace on October 11th.
Premier League giants circle
Liverpool have rekindled their pursuit of Murillo as they plan for the long-term succession of Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires at the end of this season. Chelsea, under coach Xabi Alonso, are also long-term admirers and are personally driving their interest in the defender. Manchester United’s recruitment team, led by Michael Carrick, are targeting a defensive overhaul in 2027 and see Murillo as a potential candidate, having monitored him previously. The interest from these clubs is a direct result of the defender's consistent and standout performances.
Murillo’s performances have attracted this high-profile attention. He set a Premier League record this season with 17 clearances in a single match against Liverpool and provided an assist in the 2-1 win at Aston Villa. Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness highlighted Forest’s strong position last May, stating, "Nottingham Forest were set to demand 'silly money' for Murillo during the summer transfer window." His analysis showed the financial power the long contract gives the club, allowing them to reject any approach that does not meet their valuation.
Key part of Glasner's plans
Signed from Corinthians in August 2023, Murillo remains a key part of Oliver Glasner’s side as they look to improve on a recent run of form that reads one win, two draws and two defeats. Forest feel no pressure to sell in January and are focused on their upcoming fixtures. The club’s firm stance means any serious move for one of their best players is unlikely before the summer of 2027, allowing fans to plan on seeing him at the City Ground for the foreseeable future. Glasner is building his project around reliable defensive figures, and Murillo is central to that vision, with the club aiming for greater stability after a mixed start to the campaign.
More detail at Football Insider
