Manchester United told Murillo will cost £70m-£80m as Nottingham Forest rule out January sale

Manchester United's interest in Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo is genuine, but Forest will demand £70 million to £80 million and consider any January exit "highly unlikely", requiring an "exceptional offer" to even engage.

  • Player: Murillo, 24, Brazilian centre-back, joined Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in 2023
  • Fee: Nottingham Forest value him at £70 million to £80 million
  • Contract: Signed a new deal in May running through to 2030
  • Forest stance: A winter exit would need an "exceptional offer" and remains "highly unlikely"
  • Rivals: Liverpool and Chelsea both credited with long-standing interest
  • United need: Described as "the most eager to add defensive options in January"

Deal details

According to TeamTalk, Nottingham Forest are taking a firm line on Murillo's future. The club has made it clear that any winter exit would require an "exceptional offer" and even then remains "highly unlikely". Forest's valuation sits at £70 million to £80 million, with "little appetite to negotiate below that number".

Murillo signed a new contract in May through to 2030, which has "strengthened Forest's hand and removed any immediate need to sell". Internally he is viewed as vital, and the message from the City Ground is that a mid-season deal is "categorically not on their radar".

Manchester United are assessing Murillo among the defensive names under consideration by INEOS. Liverpool's interest is framed around central defensive succession planning, while Chelsea's admiration has existed for some time as they continue to shape their squad.

Manchester United's defensive rebuild

The source describes United's defence as "all too familiar and a little bit stale", with the suggestion that "some established figures may be under greater scrutiny if recruitment accelerates in this position". A back four of Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw has continued to feature prominently.

Lisandro Martinez is specifically mentioned as someone who "would be one of the most vulnerable" were United to act decisively for Murillo. Murillo's profile — mobility, quality on the ball from the left side, physical strength and composure in duels — makes him an appealing target in a market where left-footed central defenders remain prized.

Why Nottingham Forest hold all the cards on Murillo

Murillo has grown into one of the Premier League's standout defenders since arriving from Corinthians in 2023, making 117 appearances across three full seasons. At 24, he is both proven in England and young enough to justify a premium fee. That combination is exactly why Forest can set a price and wait.

The contract signed in May through to 2030 is the decisive factor. With no financial pressure to sell and a player tied down for years, Forest have removed any immediate need to do business. Evangelos Marinakis has developed a reputation for standing firm, and the handling of Morgan Gibbs-White is referenced as further evidence.

For Manchester United, the profile makes sense. A left-footed centre-back who can defend large spaces and progress the ball would refresh a defensive unit that has become predictable. But the gap between admiration and availability is considerable, and Forest's terms are clear.

Talking points

  • United paying £70m-£80m for a centre-back in January looks like desperation pricing rather than smart market work, especially with other squad gaps to fill.
  • Naming Lisandro Martinez as vulnerable feels harsh given his quality, but his injury record and physical profile make him an easy target for a rebuild.
  • Forest refusing to budge mid-season is sensible: selling Murillo now would undermine their Premier League standing for a fee they can likely match or exceed in summer.
  • Liverpool and Chelsea lurking means United cannot afford to wait forever, but neither rival appears ready to trigger this fee in January either.

What happens next

Manchester United must decide whether to test Forest's resolve with a formal offer or park the interest until summer. Forest's position suggests any January approach would need to shatter their valuation. With the winter window approaching, United's recruitment team face a straight choice: pay premium money now or wait and risk Liverpool or Chelsea moving first.

Frequently asked questions

How much would Manchester United have to pay for Murillo?

Nottingham Forest value Murillo at £70 million to £80 million, and the source states there is "little appetite to negotiate below that number".

Will Nottingham Forest sell Murillo in January?

According to TeamTalk, a winter exit would require an "exceptional offer" and remains "highly unlikely", with the message from the City Ground that a mid-season deal is "categorically not on their radar".

Which other clubs are interested in Murillo?

Liverpool and Chelsea are both credited with long-standing interest, with Liverpool's framed around central defensive succession planning.

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