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Chelsea, Liverpool Lead Race for Forest's Murillo

Published 17 February 2026

Nottingham Forest defender Murillo is poised to depart the club at the end of the season, with Chelsea and Liverpool emerging as the leading contenders to secure the 23-year-old Brazilian's signature during the summer transfer window.

The center-back, who joined Forest from Corinthians in 2023 for approximately 15 million pounds, has impressed with his blend of physicality, speed, and ball-playing skills. He has featured in 100 appearances across all competitions, including 25 in the current Premier League campaign, contributing to a defense that secured 13 clean sheets last season as Forest finished seventh and earned a European spot. This term, however, the East Midlands club sits 17th in the table, just three points above the relegation zone with 12 matches left, heightening uncertainty over key assets like Murillo, who is contracted until June 2029.

Sources indicate that Murillo's representatives are actively evaluating options, viewing a move to a top-six club as the next step in his career. Forest officials acknowledge that the player may have reached his potential at the City Ground and anticipate he will seek an exit. The club, aware of the strong interest, plans to...

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