Liverpool’s Pursuit of Murillo: Analysing the Prospects

You can tell silly season and easy links are right upon us. As Liverpool looks to bolster its defensive line, one name that has emerged is Nottingham Forest’s Murillo. This potential move has been widely discussed, raising questions about the Brazilian centre-back’s fit at Anfield. Let’s delve into the details and statistics to evaluate this potential transfer.

What’s Been Said

According to reports from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are keen to sign a new centre-back this summer and have their eyes on Nottingham Forest star Murillo. The article notes that Liverpool need a replacement for Joel Matip, who will leave once his contract expires. It mentions, “Liverpool have drawn up a shortlist of exciting centre-back targets and Murillo is one player they’ve had on their radar for some time.” Additionally, financial pressures at Nottingham Forest could force the club to sell Murillo. Teamtalk highlights that Forest needs to “record a trading profit between £20million and £25million by this Sunday,” potentially making Murillo available for transfer. Valued at around £40 million, Murillo is seen as a vital player but one that Forest might need to sell to balance their books.

The Key Stats

Murillo, a 21-year-old Brazilian international, joined Nottingham Forest for £11 million last summer. Over the 2023/24 season, he has made 32 Premier League appearances, playing a crucial role in helping Forest avoid relegation. His defensive contributions include 37 interceptions, 87 tackles plus interceptions, and a total of 188 clearances.

His performance statistics reveal significant involvement:

• Appearances: 32
• Age: 21
• Position: Centre-back
• Minutes played last season: 2,793
• International appearances: Limited but shows potential

Murillo’s playing style is marked by his solid tackling and clearances, making him a dependable figure in Forest’s backline.

Compare Him to Jarell Quansah

To understand Murillo’s potential impact at Liverpool, it’s crucial to compare him to an existing player in a similar position: Jarell Quansah. The young Liverpool defender has shown promise and could serve as a benchmark for Murillo’s potential role at the club.

Here are some key comparative statistics:

• Murillo:
  • Tackles won: 41
  • Aerial duel success: 48.7%
  • Challenge success: 57.6%
• Quansah:
  • Tackles won: 20
  • Aerial duel success: 67.2%
  • Challenge success: 70.0%

Despite Murillo’s higher overall tackles, Quansah demonstrates superior success rates in aerial and ground challenges. These metrics indicate that while Murillo is a robust defender, he might need to enhance specific aspects of his game to meet Liverpool’s high standards. Nonetheless, Murillo’s left-footedness and ball-handling skills add a unique dimension to his profile.

Likelihood and Fee

Murillo is currently valued at €35 million according to Transfermarkt. His contract with Nottingham Forest runs until June 2028, reflecting his long-term value to the club. However, his wages and the financial pressures at Forest might make him a feasible target for Liverpool. Given his age and potential, Murillo could be a strategic acquisition for Liverpool, aiming to build a strong defensive core for the future. However, his current statistics suggest that while he is a talent, he might not yet be at the level required for a top Premier League side like Liverpool.