Liverpool get pathway to signing £70m Brazil international

Liverpool’s centre-back rebuild could accelerate this summer with the emergence of a viable route to 23-year-old Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, valued by the East Midlands club at up to £70 million.

Sources close to the Premier League champions expect Arne Slot to integrate two emerging talents, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet, but longer-term uncertainty hangs over the position. Ibrahima Konate could leave on a free transfer, while captain Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are contracted only until June 2026, making a marquee addition increasingly attractive.

Murillo, full name Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos, has leapt to the top of Liverpool’s shortlist after a series of commanding performances that saw him crowned Forest’s 2023-24 Player of the Season. The left-footed Brazilian signed from Corinthians for roughly €7 million in 2023 and extended his deal to 2029, yet the club’s precarious league standing may force their hand.

Nottingham Forest sit in relegation danger, and the iPaper reports that demotion to the Championship would oblige owner Evangelos Marinakis to consider major sales. Murillo, while settled at the City Ground, is open to a step up and has already attracted firm interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Liverpool have joined that quartet of suitors and are closely monitoring developments. The defender’s proactive style – he leads the Premier League in clearances during 2024-25 – combined with assured ball progression, fits the profile Slot wants at the heart of his back line.

Forest are under no immediate financial pressure, but insiders believe a bid in the £60-70 million bracket could persuade them to cash in, especially if survival is not secured. Murillo is not currently pushing for an exit, yet the growing possibility of Champions League football elsewhere is seen as a potential catalyst for change.

With recruitment planners at Anfield prioritising long-term solutions, securing Murillo could represent both an immediate upgrade and a strategic coup as Liverpool prepare for life after Van Dijk and Gomez.