Liverpool and Nottingham Forest could both benefit from a transfer swap deal this summer - with Darwin Nunez and Murillo swapping placesLiverpool and Nottingham Forest could both benefit from a transfer swap deal this summer - with Darwin Nunez and Murillo swapping places
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest could both benefit from a transfer swap deal this summer - with Darwin Nunez and Murillo swapping places | AFP via Getty Images
Nottingham Forest and Liverpool are set for a busy summer transfer window - and a smart swap deal could set both sides up nicely for next season
Liverpool blasted their way to the Premier League title this past season under the guidance of Arne Slot. The Dutchman was picked as their replacement for Jurgen Klopp 12 months ago. Prior to his move, he caught the eye in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord.
It was a dream first season at Anfield, in which the new manager used took the side he inherited from Klopp to the next level, bringing the title back to Liverpool for the first time since 2020, when the fans were unable to fully celebrate due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place at the time.
The Reds have now managed to tie up deals for Mohammed Salah and Virgil van Dijk ahead of the next campaign. They have also swooped to sign wing-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. He has been brought in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold following his Real Madrid switch after impressing over in the Bundesliga.
Rumours continue to swirl regarding further additions to the playing staff at Anfield. They’ve been hotly tipped to complete a big-money move for German prodigy Florian Wirtz, and could have some more money left in the budget to make further additions over the course of the summer transfer window.
Milos Kerkez looks set to become their next big-money signing, with the Bournemouth gem seen as the ideal replacement for long-standing left-back Andy Robertson, who didn’t have a vintage season in the Premier League last term despite the Reds’ big title win.
Murillo could be the ideal long-term replacement for Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk
As tricky a concept as it is to grapple with, Liverpool really do need to start thinking about potential long-term replacements for the iconic Van Dijk. Although it’s a positive thing that he is staying put for another two years, he isn’t getting any younger. The Reds must seek alternatives for once he eventually moves on.
Step forward Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, who has been eyed by the Merseyside giants in the past. His current club are likely to face a real battle to keep hold of him down the line. The 22-year-old has a lot of potential to get better in the future and should try and test himself in the Champions League next.
Forest landed him back in 2023 and he arrived as a bit of an unknown quantity from South America. He was a key player for Sao Paulo before his switch to the City Ground and he has adapted well to life in England.
Murillo has made 75 appearances in all competitions and has scored two goals. He remains under the terms of a long-term contract so Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are under no pressure to sell him anytime soon and can wait for the right offer to come in for his signature if they are to consider cashing on. He would be ideal for Liverpool though and they should push the boat out to try and snap him up.
Darwin Nunez could reignite his career at Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest won’t want to lose Murillo and rightly so, he is one of their most valued assets. They are gearing up for life in the Europa League and will want to cause a stir in Europe next term. Liverpool could try and tempt them into selling by offering them Darwin Nunez in return, plus some cash.
Nunez, 25, is facing an uncertain long-term future and may move on over the next couple of months. He is a useful player to have in and around Slot’s squad but they can’t really offer him regular football anymore. Therefore, an exit would suit all parties involved.
A change of scene would do him good and Nottingham Forest is the perfect next team for him. They can offer him minutes and a platform to show what he can do. His pace and power causes issues to opposition defenders and he would offer them something different up top.
Liverpool landed Nunez back in 2022 after he impressed at Benfica. He has since played 143 matches and has scored 40 goals. The Uruguay international only found the net on five occasions in the league last season though and found it hard to find his shooting boots.
Slot might look to offload him and bring someone else in as he looks to win the title again. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester City are expected to get stronger and the Reds won’t want to stagnate. They must keep evolving and freshening up their ranks to ensure they keep the pace at the summit.
With a striker of huge potential on board in the shape of Nunez and with some additional transfer funds in the kitty, Forest’s recruitment team should be more than capable of finding a suitable replacement for Murillo, and end the summer transfer window in a stronger position - ready for their return to European football in the 2025/26 campaign.
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