Alious
Nottingham Forest have set a steep price tag for their Brazilian defensive star Murillo, informing Real Madrid they’ll need to pay £80m – double their initial £40m valuation – to secure his signature in the January transfer window.
Murillo, who arrived at the City Ground in a modest £10.6m deal from Corinthians in August 2023, has experienced a meteoric rise in English football.
The 22-year-old defender has become an integral part of Forest’s success, featuring in all 11 Premier League matches this season and playing a crucial role in their impressive defensive record – just 10 goals conceded, ranking second-best in the league.
Forest, currently sitting in fifth place and harboring European ambitions, are in a strong negotiating position with Murillo’s contract running until 2028.
They’ve made it clear they’re reluctant to part with key players mid-season as they pursue their continental qualification dreams.
Real Madrid’s interest stems from a defensive crisis at the Bernabeu.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is grappling with significant injuries to key defenders, including Eder Militao and David Alaba’s ACL setbacks, while Aurelien Tchouameni, who can provide defensive cover, is sidelined with ankle issues.
This has left Ancelotti with limited options, primarily relying on Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio, with Jesus Vallejo seemingly out of favor despite the squad’s defensive shortages.
The Spanish giants, along with rivals Barcelona, have been monitoring Murillo’s impressive adaptation to Premier League football, where he’s started 32 matches since his arrival.
However, Forest’s substantial markup from their original investment reflects both the player’s rapid development and their strong position in refusing to sell mid-season.
Madrid will need to carefully consider their options until the January window opens, when they’ll decide whether to meet Forest’s demanding valuation to bolster their depleted defensive ranks.
Alious
