The Nottingham Forest win that ‘convinced’ Murillo to sign a new deal at the City Ground
The Nottingham Forest win that ‘convinced’ Murillo to sign a new deal at the City Ground
Murillo has fast become a modern legend at Nottingham Forest since arriving from Corinthians, with some fans slightly surprised he signed a new deal at the City Ground.
Murillo signed a new Forest contract in January amongst plenty of interest from the elite sides of Europe, showing the intent of Evangelos Marinakis to keep his stars in the hunt for European football.
Into his second season at the City Ground, the likes of Real Madrid have scouted Murillo as the Brazilian has risen to become one of the top defensive prospects in the game, leading to Forest slapping an £80m price tag on Murillo to ensure they at least cash in on the deal.
Even when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been indifferent in the last few weeks with losses to Fulham and Newcastle United, with Andy Hinchcliffe hailing Murillo’s Newcastle display.
His remarkable improvements at Forest has made it feel like the Brazilian is destined to leave the Reds in every transfer window, but one result this season helped Murillo make up his mind and commit his future to Forest.
Nottingham Forest’s win at Anfield helped Murillo commit to the club
When Forest beat Liverpool at Anfield in September, it was a sign that Espirito Santo had built a squad that could compete with the strongest sides in the Premier League, reflected in the push for Champions League football.
As is the norm, Murillo was exceptional against Liverpool in the 1-0 win, but the result was more significant than just three points for the centre-back as it helped him realise just what he could achieve at the City Ground.
According to the Daily Mail: “Though the interest of those clubs will remain, Forest feel much more relaxed about it. The lure of Spain’s big two – Real Madrid and Barcelona – is traditionally difficult for South American players to resist, yet Forest feel they have no reason to envy other Premier League clubs.
“Their 1-0 win at Anfield last September was a key result in this respect, not to mention Forest being on course for their highest league finish for 30 years.
“Murillo’s eyes shone with joy as he left the Anfield pitch and – as was the case for many players – the victory is thought to have convinced him he could achieve his ambitions at the City Ground.”
Ironically, Liverpool have registered an interest in Murillo since this result, but the Daily Mail report continued to explain just what Forest have done to make the 22-year-old comfortable in his surroundings.
How Nottingham Forest have made Murillo feel at home
Murillo signed for Forest from Corinthians in 2023 for what was to be his first experience of European football, making it possible that he may have needed time to adapt to his new surroundings. According to the report, though, Forest have done all they can to make Nottingham feel like home.
The report said: “If Murillo feels as comfortable in Nottingham as he did in Sao Paulo, Forest deserve great credit.
“Though Forest players are expected to communicate mainly in English, it has helped Murillo that he has the same first language – Portuguese – as Nuno. As Murillo is one of six Brazilian or Portuguese players in the squad, Forest added a Portuguese speaker to their player care team, who try to ensure new signings’ lives off the field proceed as smoothly as possible.
“Their work has paid off. Murillo feels so settled in Nottingham that he and wife Mabili Coladello held their gender reveal party at the City Ground in December.”
Whilst the transfer rumours won’t go away, with Chelsea reportedly looking at Murillo in January being the latest, it’s clear that Forest’s Brazilian gem isn’t actively pursuing a move away given how settled his life has become in Nottingham.
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