Who is Murillo? The Arsenal, Chelsea & Real Madrid target starring for Forest

Cameron Smith

• 15 Apr 2024 18:45 BST
• 4 min read

Nottingham Forest have utilised the Brazilian market well in recent years, although Murillo looks as though he could leave the club after just one year after a sensational debut campaign at the City Ground.

The Brazilian centre-back arrived as a relative unknown from Corinthians during the 2023 summer transfer window, but his form since moving to England has been sensational.

As a result, almost every elite European club is interested in signing him.

But, who is Murillo and how good is he?

READ MORE: Who is Estevao? The Barcelona and Chelsea target nicknamed 'Messinho'

What position does Murillo play?

Murillo is a left-footed centre-back.

READ MORE: Who is Leny Yoro? The France wonderkid wanted by Real Madrid, Chelsea and Man Utd

How good is Murillo?

Murillo had only made 13 professional starts before Nottingham Forest decided to pay €12 million to sign him in 2023, but their decision to purchase the Brazilian has paid off hugely.

His stock has risen hugely and he has emerged into one of the most promising defenders in world football since moving to England.

The Corinthians academy graduate is over six foot tall, but he is immensely stocky and possesses a dominant defensive stature.

He is excellent at a centre-back’s usual job - defending - but Murillo is also brilliant at driving forward with the ball in his possession and his ball-striking is spectacular. In this sense, he isn’t a typical centre-half, however this is what makes him so special.

Morgan Gibbs-White recently spoke about the Brazilian to Sky Sports, admitting: “He [Murillo] made a tackle against me on his first day in training and I felt his power, so I didn’t want to go near him again. He is an incredible player.”

As per the Nottingham Post, one Corinthians fan even posted the following upon news of Murillo’s exit: “Corinthians fan here, Nottingham Forest definitely underpaid for this gem of a left defender, a young VVD [Virgil van Dijk]. Two more years and Klopp or Pep would have paid £40m+.”

There aren’t many defenders who possess Murillo’s skillset and Forest reportedly value the Brazilian at €58.5m (£50m) with interest in him sky high.

What clubs are interested in Murillo?

Since his move to Nottingham Forest, Murillo has gained interest from a host of top European clubs.

According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all monitoring the Brazilian after a fantastic start to life at the City Ground.

Manchester City were also reportedly interested before he moved to Forest.

When does Murillo’s contract expire?

Murillo’s current contract at Nottingham Forest runs until 30 June 2028.

How old is Murillo?

Murillo was born on 4 July 2002. He is 21 years old at the time of writing.

What is Murillo’s Instagram?

Murillo’s Instagram account is @murillosantiago40. He has 488k followers as of April 2024.