Nuno sets out Nottingham Forest 'priority' as clear Murillo message sent
Defender Murillo committing his long-term future to Nottingham Forest is a sign of a happy squad, according to head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
Brazilian centre-back Murillo put pen to paper on a new Reds deal earlier this week. His new contract will now keep him at the City Ground until 2029.
Murillo’s impressive performances in the Garibaldi since he joined from Corinthians in the summer of 2023 garnered him plenty of admirers. But far from seeing the 22-year-old’s new deal as signal being sent to the rest of the Premier League, Nuno views it as simply being a huge positive for Forest.
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“It is good for us. Essentially it is good for us that our players who are here are happy, motivated and committed,” said the Portuguese.
“There is no player in our squad without those feelings of commitment and wanting to improve themselves. Murillo is just another one.
“It is not a sign to anybody. The squad has to be happy, play good and compete well.
“Our priority is the players who are here. They are the ones who have achieved good results and we want to compete the best we can.
“We are delighted he (Murillo) is going to be long-term at Forest. He is a player with immense talent. He can improve immensely due to his age.
“The improvement is there since he joined us. As long as he keeps himself healthy and available, he is going to be great.”
Striker Chris Wood is expected to follow Murillo in penning fresh terms Trentside. His deal is due to expire in the summer, but the New Zealander is in line for a new two-year contract amid talk that a verbal agreement has been reached.
An automatic year’s extension is set to be triggered on full-back Ola Aina’s deal, which is also set to run out at the end of the campaign. However, talks have taken place regarding a further extension.
“I think things are going well, not only with Chris. I cannot give much further detail on that,” Nuno added.
