AliousNottingham Forest are expected to adopt a more restrained approach in the current transfer window, marking a stark contrast to their previous January business. In the past two seasons, the club sought reinforcements to stave off relegation, but this year’s scenario is vastly different.
After a stellar first half of the 2024/25 campaign, Forest sit comfortably on 40 points from 20 matches. Under Nuno Espírito Santo’s guidance, the squad has settled into a well-balanced, high-quality unit, reducing the urgency for new additions. While the Reds have been linked with Igor Jesus, completing such a deal during the mid-season window seems unlikely.
The primary focus for Forest will be retaining their key players and resisting any temptation to offload valuable assets. Owner Evangelos Marinakis faces the challenge of keeping the squad intact, especially with growing interest in standout performers like Murillo.
### Murillo Poised for New Nottingham Forest Contract
The Brazilian center-back has been a revelation since his arrival from Corinthians in the summer of 2023. Forest secured Murillo for just under £11 million, despite competition from Manchester City, who may now regret not pushing harder for his signature.
Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett recently revealed significant progress on a new deal for Murillo, stating:
*”There’s broad agreement on that contract between Murillo’s people and Nottingham Forest, and that could be signed in the coming days.”*
This extension signals Forest’s intent to build around the 22-year-old, who has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s top defenders.
### European Football: The Key to Retaining Murillo
Murillo’s performances have inevitably drawn attention from Europe’s elite clubs. However, remaining at Forest could be the best option for his development at this stage. Nuno Espírito Santo views him as an integral part of the team’s long-term plans, and regular game time at the City Ground will be crucial for the young defender’s growth.
Should Forest secure European football next season, it could further strengthen their case to keep Murillo, at least in the short term. A new contract will likely come with a significant pay rise, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of the club’s future ambitions.
For Forest fans, Murillo’s contract renewal would be a major statement of intent, ensuring that their defensive talisman remains central to their quest for sustained success.
Alious
