Liverpool could be looking to sign a new centre-back in the summer transfer window.
Jurgen Klopp probably would have signed a new defender last summer, but in the end, he chose to stick with the players he has got after making drastic changes in midfield.
The Reds suffered a massive blow after Joel Matip picked up an ACL tear in December that ruled him out for the rest of the season. Luckily for Liverpool, academy talent Jarell Quansah has stepped up and he has become a reliable option under Klopp.
Matip is likely to leave the club next summer as a free agent while the Reds need to sort out the future of Virgil van Dijk as well. Put simply, they need a new centre-back.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Liverpool are showing keen interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle are also keeping close tabs on the 21-year-old defender.
Liverpool monitoring Murillo’s progress
The Brazilian defender joined Forest last summer and he has proved to be a big hit for the club. He has made 23 starts in the Premier League this season and his performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, including Liverpool and Barcelona.
Forest paid around £15m to sign the centre-half but they can expect to recoup a significant transfer fee for him. Murillo has a contract at City Ground until 2028, but Forest are facing a battle to keep the defender due to the perilous financial condition.
On Monday, Forest were hit with a four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. They may have to sell some of their prized assets at the end of the season to ease financial burdens and Murillo could be one of them.
Murillo won’t be the last player to be linked with Liverpool, but he could be an interesting option if he is available at a decent price. He could be a long-term investment for any top club including Liverpool.