Murillo is reportedly on Liverpool’s defensive shortlist, as the Reds look to cast the net wide in the transfer market, reports Mark Brus.
The Merseysiders ‘remain confident’ of snapping up first-choice target Marc Guehi next summer.
However, plans are in place to ensure the Premier League champions aren’t left empty-handed amid interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Liverpool have Marc Guehi transfer backup plan
Marc Guehi runs with the ball during England training.
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The Reds came close to signing the Crystal Palace centre-half in the prior transfer window.
However, as Steve Parish indicated on Sunday, the Eagles were not prepared to sacrifice Guehi ahead of a debut season in the Europa Conference League.
Whilst a respectable decision, it’s one that could have dire consequences for Liverpool.
Indeed, Empire of the Kop sources indicate that the prospect of signing for Real Madrid is an attractive one for the 25-year-old.
Make no mistake – Los Blancos will be pushing to sign two centre-backs amid concerns over David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.
Liverpool add Murillo to seven-man centre-back shortlist
Murillo runs after a loose ball during Nottingham Forest game.
(Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
In the event that Guehi opts to pursue a move to continental Europe, Liverpool’s recruitment team has cast the net wide.
On that note, Brazil international Murillo is understood to form part of a seven-man shortlist.
Marc Guehi
Murillo
Castello Lukeba
Dayot Upamecano
Ronald Araujo
Jarrad Branthwaite
Sven Botman
“The other is Nottingham Forest’s Murillo,” Mark Brus told The Daily Briefing.
“According to my source: ‘Murillo is also well liked at Liverpool. He’s someone Forest are probably going to have to sell soon, and we know there’s been interest from Chelsea, but Liverpool will be there too’.”
One might reasonably suspect, of course, that sporting director Richard Hughes and his team aren’t just worried about missing out on their top target.
Murillo Marc Guehi
307 minutes played 630 minutes played
6.96/10 average rating 7.63/10 average rating
62.5% duels won 67.7% duels won
80% aerial duels won 67.9% aerial duels won
83.9% pass accuracy 86.4% pass accuracy
* Murillo and Marc Guehi’s Premier League stats in 2025/26 (Fotmob)
With Ibrahima Konate (whose contract expires in 2026) also a potential to be snapped up on a free by Real Madrid in less than a year’s time, we’re also at risk of potentially requiring two new centre-backs.
In that event, it makes sense that Liverpool are keeping an eye on Murillo, who has long been signposted as a potential Marc Guehi alternative.
The fact Chelsea are also allegedly keen on the Nottingham Forest man won’t be particularly encouraging. But at least we can sell a better project under a manager who’s already tasted major success.
You can watch Slot’s post-Chelsea press conference via Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
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