Top News

Nottingham Forest are eager to see Brazilian centre-back Murillo remain at the City Ground for another ten years, with club legend Des Walker explaining to GOAL why the composed South American can achieve his goals without seeking a transfer elsewhere. The club’s long-term contract with the player ensures that any sale is not under consideration in the near future.

Could Murillo become football’s first £100 million defender?

Since arriving in England during the summer of 2023, Murillo has been under a contract that still has four years left to run. He has quickly become a fan favourite, recognised as an exciting and skilful entertainer who brings far more to the team than the typical ‘head it, kick it’ attributes associated with many defenders.

Murillo appears fully settled both on and off the pitch and has given no signs that he is seeking a move elsewhere. However, with senior international appearances already on his record, speculation has grown that major financial offers could test Forest’s determination to keep him.

Some believe the talented 24-year-old could one day become the first defender valued at £100 million ($134 million). For now, though, Nottingham Forest are content to call Murillo one of their own.

Des Walker assesses Murillo’s impact

Speaking about Murillo’s performances after seeing him inherit the famous “you’ll never beat” chant on the banks of the Trent, former Reds defender Des Walker, in conversation with GOAL, said: “I think he's got great ability. First and foremost, I’ve always believed that when you’re a defender, it’s all about defending. He needs to realise that for defenders, the key is keeping clean sheets.”

Walker continued: “His reading of the game and his ability are excellent. Sometimes, he could be a little more proactive in his defending — meaning he should position himself better so he doesn’t always rely on his pace or game reading.”

“But he’s Brazilian — relaxed and calm by nature — and that can occasionally catch you out. It’s all a learning process, though. Every match teaches you something new. Fundamentally, he’s got the ability to reach the top.”

Why Murillo doesn’t need to leave the City Ground

When asked about the challenges of keeping Murillo at Nottingham Forest, Walker explained: “Football today is at a point where, if a big enough offer comes in, clubs will sell. I’m sure Forest would too.”

“But they will only consider the biggest of offers because they view him as a top-class footballer — which he definitely is. Replacing someone like him would be extremely difficult. Personally, given that [Elliot] Anderson has already moved on, I think they’ll hold on to Murillo for as long as possible. In a few years, players naturally start thinking about moving, and that’s understandable.”

“I understand ambition. But for me, Forest is as good a club as any in the country. The goal shouldn’t be to leave — it should be to make your current club the best it can be. If Murillo has that mindset, Forest can build the team around him. You make Nottingham Forest a top side because, as a top player, that’s your responsibility.”

“It’s not always about moving to the next big club. Of course, Forest must pay him fairly, and I’m sure they will. I’d love to see him stay for a decade and see how far the club can go — that would be something truly special for the fans, the city, and everyone involved.”

Nottingham Forest look ahead to a promising future

Murillo has already made 113 appearances for Nottingham Forest, proving himself as a reliable Premier League performer while also featuring in FA Cup and Europa League semi-finals. He has formed a strong defensive partnership with Serbian centre-back Nikola Milenkovic at the core of Forest’s defence.

A new chapter is unfolding at the City Ground under the leadership of Oliver Glasner, and with England international Anderson having joined Manchester City, the club now hopes to retain its key players and continue building towards a bright and ambitious future.