Murillo has been a success story at Nottingham Forest since his arrival in 2023, with Joe Worrall recognizing the Brazilian’s exceptional quality right immediately.
Murillo joined Forest from Corinthians during the 2023 summer transfer window, when Steve Cooper was aiming to build on the previous season’s Premier League relegation battle.
Despite this being Murillo’s first encounter with English football, he impressed Cooper on his Forest debut. Pundits were also impressed by the Brazilian, with Jamie Redknapp calling Murillo a bargain.
Murillo’s initial season was definitely a success, but this season, under Nuno Espirito Santo, he has reached even higher levels.
Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic were compared to Arsenal’s defence earlier this season, as Forest have kept the most clean sheets in the league, focusing even more attention on Murillo.
Murillo’s great form led to him signing a new contract with Forest, and Reds fans are looking forward to a future with their Brazilian jewel, but a recent article has brought back memories of his early days at the club.
When Murillo first joined Nottingham Forest, Joe Worrall was awestruck by his abilities.
Murillo, at six feet tall, is shorter than his centre-back partner, Milenkovic, which has forced the 22-year-old to rely on his technical abilities at times.
In an interview with The Guardian, Worrall stated that Murillo’s technical talent was evident from the moment he arrived at the Forest training area.
Worrall stated: “If you saw him in training, you’d assume he’s a No 10, and you’d go, ‘No way is he a centre-back,’ because he’s a stocky boy. He weights more than me, perhaps around 15st.
“He’s a huge lad, but not the tallest, and he has such silky feet. He’s just a really, really brilliant football player. He’s left-footed, which obviously benefits him a lot since it’s easier on the eyes and there are fewer of them.”
Worrall went on to say about Murillo’s first few months at Forest: “He wasn’t in the team much when I was there.” Cooper was hesitant to play him, which I don’t understand given his incredible potential.
“It was me, Scott McKenna, a few not older players but lads who’ve been and played the game sort of thing, and Murillo’s come for £10m from Brazil and lots of flicking, training and a Cruyff turn and stuff – very much how he is now.”
Looking ahead, Murillo has sparked interest from Liverpool and other teams, and Worrall understands why the game’s elite clubs are circling.
What Joe Worrall believes Murillo is worth to Nottingham Forest
Even Real Madrid has scouted Murillo to gain a better look at the distinct, well-rounded abilities that Worrall seen firsthand.
He stated, “He’s swift, strong, can handle it, and reads danger very well. I believe that is something to look for in players that are good with the ball and play center-back.
“They dribble, pass, and do whatever, but can they defend? He can recognize danger. He’s in the appropriate location and time. It’s not a fluke; he just knows, and he’s checking.”
Worrall didn’t mince his words when asked how much Forest should expect for Murillo, saying, “He’s worth well north of £50 million in my opinion.” It would be a tragedy if Forest let him go for pennies less.”
If Real Madrid and Liverpool pursue Murillo, Forest are expected to demand a world-record fee, with an £80 million charge earning Evangelos Marinakis more than £50 million.
However, it is not about profit when it comes to a talent like Murillo, and if Forest is to qualify for the Champions League this season, quality players like Murillo must be maintained.
