Liverpool named as Nottingham Forest defender Murillo details transfer dreams

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo is wanted by several teams, and the exciting Brazilian star has previously stated his preferred Premier League destinations

Murillo has become a star in the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United is eyeing up Murillo for a summer transfer, but convincing the Nottingham Forest standout to reject Liverpool and choose a move to Old Trafford could prove challenging.

As the Red Devils contemplate potential replacements for Harry Maguire this summer, Murillo has emerged on United's radar. With Maguire's contract set to expire in June, United's recruitment team is planning ahead by exploring possible successors.

Since his move from Corinthians to Forest in 2023, Murillo has made quite an impression and is believed to be open to a move at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, despite penning a new deal just a year ago.

Currently sitting 17th in the Premier League table and under a third manager of the season, Sean Dyche, after Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou were given the boot, Forest's chances of retaining their star players like Murillo and Elliot Anderson could be slim.

The Nottingham club will need to clinch the Europa League title to secure European qualification once again.

United has its sights set on both the defender and the midfielder, but the club is aware of the stiff competition it will face, particularly if it fails to secure a European spot under Michael Carrick's leadership.

Murillo scored at Anfield earlier this season(Image: Getty Images)

In Murillo's case, there's also his expressed ambition to play for United's fiercest rivals.

Speaking on the Benja Me Mucho podcast a year ago, the 23-year-old revealed: "I had the dream of playing in the Premier League, and I had that thought. I thought, 'I'll go to Nottingham Forest, have a good year, and then I'll go to a big club.'

"I had that in my head. I'd choose Manchester City, but it would be more difficult for me to be a regular starter given the players they have in their squad.

"There's City, Arsenal as well, who are fighting for the Premier League title.

"I wouldn't discard Liverpool either. It would be a good opportunity for me to show my football in a big club."

Back in January 2025, Liverpool was most heavily linked with Murillo, and the Reds will be scouring the market for center-backs this summer, particularly with Ibrahima Konate's existing contract set to run out.

A deal for Marc Guehi fell through on deadline day last summer, and they now face competition for the Crystal Palace defender from Manchester City and Arsenal.

Murillo has turned out 96 times for Forest since his arrival two and a half years ago, establishing a formidable partnership with Nikola Milenkovic.