Latest developments
- Liverpool want to sign Nottingham Forest's Murillo
- Virgil van Dijk has yet to decide on his Anfield future
- Reds want to sign defender regardless of Van Dijk's decision
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): CaughtOffside can be caught offside at times
Liverpool are sweating over the future of captain Van Dijk beyond this season as the Dutchman's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025. As such, the Reds have been preparing potential options at centre-back in case Van Dijk decides not to extend his contract.
One of the names that has been heavily linked with the Merseyside club has been Nottingham Forest‘s Murillo. The Brazilian is seen as an ideal long-term replacement for Van Dijk, but CaughtOffside have reported that Liverpool could move for the Brazilian defender whether the club captain stays or goes.
CaughtOffside are very inconsistent with their transfer exclusives and as such, they may not be accurate with the details of the report.
Value (4.5/5): Liverpool don't need to pay outrageous fees
The report does not mention a transfer fee. However, it has been suggested that Nottingham Forest are not very keen on losing the Brazilian's services and will only let him leave the club if the terms of the transfer are financially favourable for them. Transfermarkt have valued the centre-back at £33 million, and a transfer fee anywhere close to £50 million would not be too high for a highly promising centre-back.
Suitability (4/5): An almost like-for-like replacement for Van Dijk
Murillo has been playing in a fairly high line at Nottingham Forest so far and has shown he is adept at countering threats in behind with his pace and awareness of the offside line. This is one of the reasons Liverpool sees the Brazilian as the perfect shoo-in for Van Dijk in case the defender leaves the club.
Arne Slot's Liverpool have been playing very high lines this season and it will likely be the case even if Van Dijk were to leave the club next season. As such, Murillo would fit right into the Dutchman's plans for the Liverpool backline.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Only needed if Van Dijk leaves
Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have been outstanding since the beginning of the season, Joe Gomez is a dependable deputy, and Jarell Quansah has performed admirably since entering the senior ranks, despite some recent setbacks. As such, the Reds are not in real need of the Brazilian, if Van Dijk ends up staying at the club.
Logic (2.5/5): Liverpool should avoid if Van Dijk stays
While signing Murillo would bring in a lot of cover at centre-back, Liverpool don't really need the Brazilian for the price point Nottingham are considering selling for if Van Dijk decides to extend his contract. As for Murillo, the move would be perfect as he gets to move to a title-contending side which would propel his chances of a Brazil call-up.
Whisper+ final verdict – 16.5/25
If Van Dijk is to leave, signing Murillo is an absolute no-brainer for Liverpool. However, the Reds can't afford to get pulled into any sort of a bidding war with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, who are also said to be interested in the centre-back.
