Real Madrid have started their La Liga campaign wonderfully. They are currently at the top of the table. However, that 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid will still hurt the Merengues.
That game would have freshened up the memory of that 4-0 drubbing in the hands of PSG in the Club World Cup.
Almost 3 of the 5 goals Real Madrid conceded against Atletico were due to defensive errors. The situation was similar in that PSG game as well.
That is why the Los Blancos are already planning their next move in the transfer market. The Spanish giants have started looking at potential defensive reinforcements for next year.
According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, has added a Brazilian defender to the club’s list of transfer targets.
The 23-year-old defender has quickly become one of the most reliable centre-backs in England.
Since arriving from Corinthians in 2023, Murillo has established himself as a crucial figure in Nottingham Forest’s backline.
Last season, he started 36 of the club’s 38 league matches and played a huge role in helping them finish seventh and qualify for Europe.
Naturally, his performances have drawn interest from top clubs. Chelsea were reportedly preparing an approach for him in January.
Madrid’s recruitment team is monitoring him closely. They are impressed by his composure and strength in possession.
Nottingham Forest have no desire to sell and are expected to demand a fee of at least €60 million.
Murillo remains under contract at Forest until 2029. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on other defensive options.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate are all on the radar of the Spanish giants.
Whether Murillo becomes part of the defensive rebuild at Real Madrid now depends on how far the Spanish giants are willing to go financially.
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