Liverpool Eye Nottingham Forest’s Murillo as Potential Van Dijk Successor
With only hours remaining in the current transfer window, Liverpool are not expected to make any last-minute signings. However, club officials are already planning ahead for a major recruitment push in the summer.
Despite a quiet January with no new arrivals or significant contract renewals for key players like Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s strong performances on the pitch have kept concerns at bay. However, if that trio were to leave in the near future, replacing them would be a major challenge.
Liverpool ‘Seriously Interested’ in Murillo
According to Strike90mins, Liverpool are showing strong interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as a potential long-term replacement for Van Dijk. The 22-year-old Brazilian recently signed a new long-term contract at the City Ground, but he is reportedly open to a move to Anfield if the two clubs can agree on a transfer fee.
However, Nottingham Forest have made it clear they won’t entertain offers below £80 million. Liverpool aren’t the only club monitoring Murillo, as Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed interest.
Why Murillo Makes Sense for Liverpool
Even if Van Dijk remains at Liverpool, he turns 34 in July, meaning the club must start preparing for the future. Murillo has already caught the Reds’ attention with a standout performance against them last month, where he registered an impressive 17 clearances in a 1-1 draw (Sofascore).
Over the past year, he has ranked among the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for clearances (6.16 per game), successful take-ons (0.63 per game), and blocks per 90 minutes (1.72) (FBref).
Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley has described Murillo as “a completely unique defender” with “excellent anticipation” and the confidence to carry the ball forward, even taking on shots from distance. Given his talent and potential, it’s no surprise Forest have set a high price tag, nor that Liverpool see him as a long-term successor to Van Dijk.
Ideally, Liverpool would sign Murillo while Van Dijk is still at the club, allowing them to play together before the Dutchman eventually moves on. Van Dijk’s £75 million signing in 2018 transformed Liverpool’s defense, and if the Reds are willing to make another major investment, Murillo could have a similar impact at Anfield.
