Murillo transfer – Barcelona the best destination for the Brazilian?: Whisper+ verdict

Latest developments

• Barcelona want to bring Nottingham Forest's Murillo to the Camp Nou.
• They face direct competition from Real Madrid for the Brazilian's signature.
• The impressive centre-back has joined the Brazil squad for the first time this week.

Whisper+ analysis

Authenticity (3.5/5): Reports in Spain expressing interest

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo's stock has risen so high of late that not only are Barcelona interested in signing him in January, but they face competition from El Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

That is the word of Spanish site sport.es, who claim that the Blaugrana have been monitoring the 22-year-old since his days with Corinthians.

Value (3/5): Ball very much in Forest's court

With Murillo under contract until 2028, Nottingham Forest have time to wait for the right bid to come in.

No potential transfer fees have been met for the man they signed for €12 million in August last year, but Forest can expect to make a tidy profit, given that he is now valued at €40 million. Liverpool are said to also be interested, so Barcelona will might have to overspend (again) if they want to make the deal a reality.

Suitability (4/5): Murillo looks every bit a Barcelona defender

Barça manager Hansi Flick wanted to strengthen his defence in the summer, but did not have the funds available. Likely to go back into the market for a centre back in the winter, he could do much worse than Murillo.

A smooth operator who looks effortlessly confident on the ball and enjoys a burst forward, Murillo is the type of defender that the Camp Nou crowd would quickly fall in love with.

Upgrade? (3.5/5): The kids are doing all right

Herr Flick may have wanted defensive reinforcements, but playing the hand he was dealt has worked out just fine so far, as Barcelona sit atop La Liga table and are going well in the UEFA Champions League.

Their return to relying on La Masia graduates has worked wonders, including with Pau Cubarsi in the back line. Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia have had injury issues of late, but are not long-term absentees. Murillo has the potential to be better than all those players, but Barcelona don't exactly need a quick fix in January.

Logic (4.5/5): Murillo knows his worth

As good as Forest have been this season, Murillo knows he is destined for bigger things than the City Ground can offer, and his call-up to the national team this month proves that.

If he wants to become a regular with the Selecao and be in contention for the 2026 World Cup, he will have to make the jump to a club as big as Barcelona, if not Barcelona themselves.

Whisper+ verdict: 18.5/25

Barcelona and Murillo don't exactly need each other, especially not as urgently as January, but it is certainly a move that has advantages for all parties – with the exception of Forest boss Steve Cooper!