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Photo by Ritchie Sumpter/Nottingham Forest FC via Getty Images

Liverpool and their need for defensive reinforcements is obvious heading into the summer transfer window.

While Virgil van Dijk is still operating at a world-class level, he will be 34 when the new season starts.

And while most Liverpool fans don’t want to concentrate on it right now, Ibrahima Konate and his contract expiring in July 2026 is a potential saga in waiting.

As a result, we can exclusively reveal that star Nottingham Forest defender Murillo is one of a few center-back options on Liverpool’s shortlist heading into the summer.

At 22, the Brazilian is at the perfect age the Anfield hierarchy desire.

He has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most coveted defenders after playing a pivotal role in Forest’s surprise bid for European football this term.

Signed from Corinthians in August 2023 for just £10.6 million, Murillo has become the cornerstone of Forest’s defense, making 64 Premier League appearances since joining and earning the club’s 2023/24 Player of the Season award.

His composure, athleticism, and ability to play out from the back have drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Rúben Dias, while his underlying statistics show a profile that could fit in an Anfield:

Murillo.

Based on 3188 minutes played [FBref].

Murillo’s standout performance against Liverpool in January 2025-where he made a record 17 clearances in a 1–1 draw-cemented his reputation as a “monstrous” talent.

The Brazilian signed a long-term contract extension in January 2025, committing him to the club until the summer of 2029 as part of Forest’s bid to maintain his market value.

Interestingly, the contract was not reported to have a release clause.

Forest is thought to be reluctant sellers

Despite their UCL qualification hopes, FFP pressures could force their hand.

Forest exceeded this limit by approximately £34.5 million for the three-year period ending with the 2022/23 season.

As a result, in March 2024, the Premier League’s independent commission imposed a four-point deduction on the club.

The commission recognized Forest’s “exceptional cooperation” during the investigation, which helped reduce the sanction from a potentially harsher penalty.

To comply with FFP rules and avoid further sanctions, Forest could be under pressure to sell players by June 30, 2025 (end of the financial period).

This is something that Liverpool are not scared to take advantage of as seen by the Anthony Gordon pursuit last summer.

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