Future Real Madrid or Barcelona Star? Nottingham Forest Have a ‘Crazy’ Talent on Their Hands in Murillo That Could Become the World’s First £100m Defender

Murillo: Brazilian Flair Meets Premier League Power

Transfer fees have been rising steadily for years, with Neymar’s jaw-dropping €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 marking a new era in football finances. But while record-breaking deals often spotlight attackers, it seems only a matter of time before a defender breaks the nine-figure barrier. Nottingham Forest’s Marlon Murillo might just be that player, according to former Forest striker Marlon Harewood.

Murillo, who arrived at the City Ground in 2023, is not your typical centre-back. At 23, he already possesses the physical presence of a seasoned defender, but with the technical ability and flair that are trademarks of Brazilian football. While many think of defenders as simply clearing the ball and winning headers, Murillo brings a completely different skill set to the table. He can cover ground at remarkable speed, boasts a left foot that can spread play across the pitch, and is confident carrying the ball out from the back, breaking lines in a way few defenders can.

Since joining Forest, he has rapidly become a key player, now approaching 80 Premier League appearances and also featuring in continental competitions such as the Europa League. On the international stage, Murillo has already been capped by Brazil and will likely have his sights set on a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. But beyond the national team, the burning question remains: where will this Samba star be playing his club football long-term?

Transfer Talk: Is Murillo Destined for La Liga?

Murillo Nottingham Forest 2025-26

Harewood, speaking to GOAL, weighed in on the speculation linking Murillo to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. “Yeah, maybe. It’s all talked about. It’s good we are having this conversation about Forest. It’s been a long time coming. It’s a conversation you always like to have about players that are at the City Ground. It means they are going in the right direction and bringing in players that can help Forest and generate money for the club if they get to that stage where they are going to be leaving. It happens in football. It means they are doing really well at the club – at Forest at the moment, he is doing well.”

Harewood continued, highlighting the balance that clubs like Forest must maintain between retaining top talent and benefiting financially from transfers. “It’s good for the club and not good for the club at the same time. You want to keep the top players at the club, but that just doesn’t happen. Hopefully they can replace the players that go. They have done. He has been a breath of fresh air, even though he is quite crazy in his decisions and what he does, but he knows what he wants to do. It’s been working. You have to back him and see where it goes. But it’s good to have those players at Nottingham Forest.”

When pressed about the possibility of Murillo becoming the most expensive defender in history, Harewood acknowledged that modern football makes such price tags plausible. “We have seen defenders go for big money but I wouldn’t say he is an [Elliot] Anderson price tag as a centre-half, but you can’t really say that nowadays! Centre-halves, midfielders, it’s big money. He is a top-class player, it’s just hard to put a price tag on him like that. But when you do put a price tag on like that, that means the club and the owner don’t want him to go.”

History Maker: Could Murillo Become the First £100m Defender?

Former Forest striker Stan Collymore has also shared his view on Murillo’s potential, especially regarding the prospect of a record-breaking transfer. “He could be. There are clubs watching him. From a personal perspective, I would love to see him stay at Forest for the next three, four, five years. He’s signed his new contract. He may well go on to become the first £100m defender, which for Forest would be an incredible deal if it came. My hope is that he stays for another two or three years.”

Even Forest legend Stuart Pearce, no stranger to left-footed defenders at the City Ground, has praised Murillo’s all-round game. “I really like him. He’s one of these that churns the games out, plays all the games, reads the game really well. 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.”

Pearce also noted how Murillo’s partnership with Nikola Milenkovic suits Forest’s style of play. “He’s one that Forest, with the addition of 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 plays 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.”

Unique Talent: When Murillo’s Contract at Forest Runs to 2029

Murillo Nottingham Forest 2025-26

One key factor keeping Murillo’s valuation sky-high is his contract, which runs until 2029. This long-term deal ensures that any club interested in acquiring the young defender would need to pay a substantial fee, potentially breaking records for a centre-back.

What makes Murillo such a standout is not just his defensive solidity, but the combination of physicality, technical skill, and footballing intelligence. Modern football increasingly values ball-playing defenders who can initiate attacks, control tempo, and read the game ahead of their opponents. Murillo ticks every box. His ability to carry the ball, spread passes from deep, and adapt to different styles of play makes him a highly sought-after asset for top clubs across Europe.

Forest’s strategy appears clear: develop Murillo, maintain his performances at the highest level in the Premier League and European competitions, and potentially cash in with a record-breaking transfer. However, both Collymore and Pearce stress the importance of patience. Allowing Murillo to mature over the next two to three years could elevate his value even further, making him not only the first £100m defender but also a cornerstone of whichever European giant decides to acquire him.

Conclusion: A Star in the Making

At just 23, Marlon Murillo is already showing the qualities of a generational talent. He blends Brazilian flair with Premier League grit, offering something truly rare in a centre-back: speed, composure, passing ability, and a fearless approach to the game.

While speculation continues about a future move to La Liga giants Barcelona or Real Madrid, Forest fans are likely enjoying the rare thrill of seeing a homegrown—or at least domestically nurtured—talent rise to global prominence. Murillo’s journey could set new standards for transfer fees for defenders and redefine how modern centre-backs are valued.

For now, Nottingham Forest have a jewel on their hands, a player who could not only make history as the world’s first £100m defender but also leave an indelible mark on the Premier League and international football. Whether he stays to cement his legacy at the City Ground or moves to a European powerhouse, one thing is certain: Murillo is a talent to watch for years to come.