Liverpool are reportedly interested in Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo, with the Brazilian emerging as a potential option if the Reds eventually need to replace captain Virgil van Dijk.
According to a report from Football Insider, both Liverpool and Chelsea have joined the race for Murillo, although Nottingham Forest are not willing to sell him during the January transfer window. Any serious move could therefore be considered at a later stage.
Murillo, 24, is viewed as an experienced young defender who could add strength and composure to Liverpool’s back line. However, the article questions whether he would actually be good enough to become Van Dijk’s long-term replacement.
The comparison between the two defenders highlights the challenge Liverpool would face. Murillo has recorded 47.1% overall duel success in the Premier League this season, compared with 74.1% for Van Dijk. Murillo has also won 52.9% of his aerial duels, while Van Dijk has managed 71.4%.
There are nevertheless areas where Murillo has impressed. He averages around 12.05 line-breaking passes per 90 minutes, while his 4.02 accurate long balls per 90 show that he can contribute to Liverpool’s build-up play from defence.
Despite those qualities, Empire of the Kop believes Murillo would currently look more like a squad option than a direct replacement for Van Dijk.
The situation could become more important at the end of the 2026/27 season, when Liverpool’s defensive structure could change significantly. The article notes that if Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Ronald Araujo all leave, 21-year-old Jeremy Jacquet could become Liverpool’s most senior centre-back.
Liverpool are therefore expected to carefully assess the centre-back market. The report suggests the club may prefer a defender with a higher ceiling rather than immediately committing to Murillo.
Two alternative names are mentioned: Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven and Brighton’s Luka Vuskovic. The article argues that Liverpool could potentially get more value from a high-ceiling player such as Vuskovic rather than treating Murillo as Van Dijk’s direct successor.
For now, the key point is that Murillo is being linked with Liverpool, but this is a transfer report rather than confirmation that Liverpool have decided he will replace Van Dijk.
