Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain on March 11, 2026. (Photo by: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Real Madrid aim to strengthen their defense with the signing of Murillo from Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old has had an outstanding performance in the Premier League and is currently one of the best young defenders in the country. Real Madrid need to find quality long-term replacements for David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger. South America could be a solid long-term investment for them.
According to reports from Spain, formal negotiations will begin to sign the 23-year-old defender at the end of the season. But closing a deal isn’t easy. Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in the Brazilian. Murillo’s transfer fee this summer could be around £70m.
It will be interesting to see which of the four clubs decide to act on their interest and make a formal offer to sign him. The 23-year-old wants to compete at a high level and all four clubs would be attractive destinations for him.
Liverpool need a replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who will be a free agent at the end of the season. Chelsea will need to replace undesirable defenders such as Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile. Meanwhile, Manchester United are in need of a long-term replacement for Harry Maguire.
The Brazilian could be an exceptional signing, and it remains to be seen how he ends up. He will want to be part of an ambitious project that regularly competes in the UEFA Champions League and is fighting for big trophies.
The opportunity to move to Real Madrid could be very exciting for him. They have strong Brazilian players on their roster, which could give them an advantage in the transfer race.

