Liverpool Plot Move for £50m PL “Powerhouse” Murillo

Liverpool are reportedly plotting a £50 million summer move for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, the Brazilian "powerhouse" who has attracted "strong and serious" interest from top Premier League clubs.[1][3]

The 23-year-old (noted as 25 in some reports), a one-cap Brazil international, is preparing to leave the City Ground after hitting his "ceiling" there, with his camp actively assessing destinations.[1][3] Forest signed him for £15m nearly three years ago and now value him in excess of £50m (€57.5m / $68m), comparable to midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson—no release clause in his January 2024 contract extension.[1][2][3]

Liverpool and Chelsea lead the race, having conducted the most groundwork over the past year and even considering bids last summer.[1][3] Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp (or current staff) admires Murillo's ball-playing ability, strength, aggression, and aerial prowess, seeing him as a long-term boost amid uncertainties with Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez, and Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires soon.[2][4] Recent £52m signing Jeremy Jacquet hasn't closed the door on further reinforcement.[4]

Chelsea's interest aligns with potential sales of Trevoh Chalobah, Benoît Badiashile, and Tosin Adarabioyo to fund a deal.[1][2] Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, and even Manchester City are monitoring, setting up a potential bidding war—Murillo is "very likely" to stay in England.[1][3]

Forest expect Murillo to push for the "next step" to a top-six club, possibly Champions League-bound, with sources predicting his exit this summer.[3][6] Liverpool's scouting department has long rated him alongside targets like Marc Guehi and Jorrel Hato.[4]

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