Liverpool ready with aggressive offer to keep Brazil star away from Real Madrid

Liverpool are heading for a centre-back shakeup at the end of the season.

The process arguably began last summer when Richard Hughes sold Jarell Quansah and brought in Giovanni Leoni from Parma. The £26m acquisition was followed by the capture of Jeremy Jacquet - who arrives in July on a £62m deal from Rennes.

Liverpool are clearly taking steps to safeguard their defence long into the future - given Leoni and Jacquet’s respective ages. But there may well be an experience gap in the team at the end of the season - and again in 12 months.

Ibrahima Konate looks set to leave the club on a free transfer in summer 2026 with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out of contract in 2027.

Therefore the need for a proven centre-back could see the Premier League champions move for an experienced option.

Liverpool in race for Forest's Murillo

Murillo of Nottingham Forest is emerging as a target - with the Brazil international named as a Liverpool target in a report from Fichajes.

Real Madrid are at the front of the queue for the left-sided defender - but Premier League clubs including the Reds are prepared to blow the Spaniards out of the water with a mammoth salary offer.

“The race to sign the 23-year-old defender won't be easy, given the interest from giants like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United,” the report reads.

“The financial offer from England will be very aggressive in order to keep the talent in the UK.”

It’s not the first time the 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool either. During the closing stages of the 2023/24 season he first began to be linked with Anfield.

He stayed at Forest - signing a new contract - but looks set to move on to bigger and better things soon.

Murillo: Situation summary

Murillo is Nottingham Forest’s standout centre-back and one of the most in-demand young defenders in the Premier League. ​

Role and form

Murillo has emerged as Forest’s defensive leader, offering front-foot aggression, strong timing in duels and composure when building from the back.

Left-sided and comfortable stepping into midfield, he suits high defensive lines and proactive pressing systems, which has driven his rise in both data and scouting circles. ​

Contract and recent context

He signed a long-term contract in early 2025 that runs until 2029, significantly strengthening Forest’s position and reflecting his status as a core asset.

Despite Forest’s struggles near the bottom of the table, there is no open contract dispute, though his performances are being closely watched amid speculation over his future. ​

Transfer and future

Multiple elite clubs in England and Europe are tracking him for the summer, with Forest expected to demand a premium fee given his age and contract length.

Relegation or a major bid from a Champions League club could be the trigger for movement, with a growing sense that Murillo will eventually look to take the next step in his career. ​

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