Nottingham Forest sent Murillo warning as his future plans made crystal clear
Nottingham Forest fans have been warned to make the most of central defender Murillo as he is a player who is going places. The Brazilian was again outstanding as Forest denied leaders Liverpool victory at the City Ground on Tuesday night, prompting a debate about his potential - and future after being linked with a move to a host of rival clubs.
Only Arsenal have conceded fewer goals than Forest this season, and they were at their miserly best again to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw, but Sky Sports’ South American football expert Tim Vickery says it is only a matter of time before Murillo moves on.
He said: “Murillo has been outstanding this season. Remember, he had only played 25 games for (Brazilian club) Corinthians and then was into the Premier League with Forest.
“Defending is a collective endeavour, so you've got to be able to be on the same page as your team-mates, but he came over from Brazil not really speaking the language. So I think he's surpassed all expectations, and now he's fighting for a place in the Brazil side.
“He’s been an absolute sensation for Forest, and I think his fans are aware that even if they get a new contract out of him, they're not going to be able to keep him forever. He's going places. He’s a very, very impressive centre-back indeed.”
Murillo penned a five-year contract when he signed for the club for a bargain £11m in August 2023, but Sky claim Forest are “in discussions over an extension” which would keep him Trentside for another “four-and-a-half years”.
He was named as Forest's player of the season for 2023/24 and has been equally impressive this term playing alongside summer recruit Nikola Milenkovic at the heart of the Reds defence. Between them, they have conceded just 20 goals, kept a league-high nine clean sheets, and are one of the best central defensive partnerships in the top-flight.
Milenkovic, another value-for-money recruit, in his case for £10m from Fiorentina, is appreciative of his partner.
At 27, the Serb is arguably the senior partner of the two, at least in years, and he told the Telegraph: “It’s so important to trust your partner in defence. Our relationship is built on that and knowing how the other will react in certain situations. We speak a lot away from here, about lots of other things apart from football.
“We understand each other and cover each other’s backs. It’s not just Murillo, it’s the back-four and (goalkeeper) Matz [Sels], but I am so happy with how Murillo is performing. He can do even better because he has massive potential.”
