£70m rated Nottingham Forest star key to sealing new signing

Nottingham Forest fans may well have received a big hint about where the future of Brazilian defender Murillo lies.

After joining Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2023, 21-year-old defender Murillo made quite an impact during his debut season in the East Midlands.

He was a regular starter under Cooper and was also favoured by new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced the Englishman after a poor start to the season under his tenure.

Murillo’s solid performances for the East Midlands side has led to a whole host of clubs showing an interest including Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Forest’s new signing explains Murillo impact

Despite being linked with a move away from the City Ground this summer, it appears that the young defender, who signed a five-year deal at the club when he joined, is still trying to talk to potential signings.

Forest have today confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, who joined the club from Corinthians, which is where Murillo moved to the club from.

The 25-year-old, who is 6ft 8in tall, has moved to the Premier League on a four-year contract. Miguel established himself in the first team for the Brazilian side last season as he made 14 appearances in all competitions.

Speaking to the club’s media channels, Miguel was asked whether his new teammate Murillo had spoken to him about what Forest was like.

“Yes, absolutely, the first information came from Murillo,” Miguel explained. “I asked him about the club and also the city. I asked how the club works as it’s so important to know everything beforehand.

“He said great things and was exuberant about this club, which made me really happy.”

Murillo hints he could remain at the club

If Miguel is correct, then the exuberance that Murillo spoke about Forest and the Premier League is surely a big hint that he could remain at the club.

With just a year under his belt in the East Midlands, it would be a surprise to see Murillo move away from the City Ground but there is interest from across the Premier League.

Murillo had joked about Chelsea’s reported interest in the defender and admitted Forest was a ‘stepping stone to a bigger club’.

For their part, sources have told HITC that Forest would demand around £70 million for the Brazilian, a fee similar to what Everton are demanding for Jarrad Branthwaite.