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<ul><li>Brazilian defender starring at the City Ground</li><li>Tied to a long-term contract in England</li><li>Already caught the eye of heavyweight outfits</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'Looks like SpongeBob but a real talent!' - Nottingham Forest star tipped for big money transfer amid links with Real Madrid and Barcelona

<p>For now, the mercurial Brazilian defender is tied to a long-term contract at Nottingham Forest. He has been at the City Ground since the summer of 2023, taking in 75 appearances for the Reds across two seasons.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Murillo’s <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/top-50-premier-league-players-2024-25-season-ranked/blt3ad22f2380961b17" target="_blank">performances have caught the eye</a>, with his physical qualities being complemented by ball-playing flair that is expected of South American performers that line up in any position. The 23-year-old is a lot of fun to watch.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>With there still plenty of potential to be unlocked in his game, it has been suggested that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/first-100m-defender-breakout-premier-league-star-new-transfer-record-real-madrid-liverpool-barcelona-nottingham-forest-sensation-murillo/blt5588519506f0d83c" target="_blank">Murillo could go on to become the first £100 million ($132m) defender</a> in world football - with his skill set considered to be a good fit for Clasico rivals in La Liga.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Forest legend Pearce - speaking in association with Freebets.com, home of <a href="https://www.freebets.com/casino/best-casino-sites/" target="_blank">best casino sites</a> - told <strong>GOAL</strong> when asked if Murillo is destined to reach the very top: "I really like him. He’s one of these that churns the games out, plays all the games, reads the game really well.</p><p>"He’s not your stamp of a central defender. He’s got a physique that makes him look like SpongeBob, but I think he’s a real talent. Comfortable on the ball, can find a pass. He does the unusual at times as well but when you consider his age, he is a real talent.</p><p>"He’s one that Forest, with the addition of [Nikola] Milenkovic to partner him and the way they play, they fit the counter-attack method. Murillo probably could go and play at another club that play more expansive, and he’ll deal with that. I think it suits Milenkovic to play at Forest, because they cover him a little bit, he’s got to defend the 18-yard box, and that suits him brilliantly. Murillo is a wonderful talent and really important they keep hold of him."</p>

WHAT PEARCE SAID

<p>Murillo’s deal on Trentside is due to run until 2029. Forest have no intention of sanctioning a sale any time soon, but their resolve may be tested in upcoming windows as their Samba star continues to shine.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MURILLO?

'Looks like SpongeBob but a real talent!' - Nottingham Forest star tipped for big money transfer amid links with Real Madrid and Barcelona | Goal.com

Stuart Pearce says Murillo &quot;looks like SpongeBob&quot; but is a &quot;real talent&quot; and could attract interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.