(Credit: Getty, Imago)

Evan Shaw

Sun 24 May 2026 10:30, UK

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Nottingham Forest supporters are not entirely convinced by the news that centre-back Murillo has penned a new contract with their club.

The Reds confirmed on Saturday evening that they have reached an agreement to extend the Brazilian’s stay at the City Ground until 2030, after another campaign of strong displays in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has become a staple of the team for the East Midlands outfit since his arrival from Corinthians back in 2023, and that has naturally prompted attention from elsewhere.

Liverpool and Chelsea have both been heavily linked with moves for the youngster over the course of the season, as the Premier League’s elite have begun to take notice of his displays.

Forest are facing interest in several of their key players ahead of the summer transfer window, and their fans believe that the new deal for Murillo hasn’t got them out of the woods just yet.

Nottingham Forest have clear Murillo ‘ploy’ behind extension

Injury issues have limited Murillo to just 25 appearances in the Premier League this term, but each of the Reds’ four managers in 2025-26 have clearly recognised his importance.

The starlet has started in every single league game when he has been available for selection, but supporters are already concerned that he may not be around next term.

Many believe that Forest’s move to tie him down to a new deal is not an indication that his future is secure, but rather an attempt from the club to secure more money if he does depart in the coming months.

Forest fans were quick to react to news of the extension on X, but many were not totally positive about the update.

One immediately pointed out that it could be a “ploy” from the club to get “big money” for the star this summer, while another pointed to a similar situation before Nuno Espirito Santo’s exit back in September.

Several others were adamant that the news serves as an indication that Murillo’s sale will now follow ahead of next season.

• @nffc_316: “Go on then, what’s the release clause?”
• @lewis_tinker: “Is this to make his price go up or do we have plans on being higher up the table?”

Will Liverpool reignite their interest in Murillo?

Football Insider revealed back in February that Liverpool had fallen behind Chelsea in the race to sign Murillo, but the Reds remain keen to add to their backline this summer.

The addition of a new centre-back is a key priority for Arne Slot and Co. once the window opens, as they are keen to add another new face to their rearguard alongside Jeremy Jacquet.

However, at the moment, it appears doubtful that they will return with their interest in Murillo.

Forest are sure to demand a significant fee well in excess of the £50million mark now that they have a new contract in place, and Liverpool have plenty of other options to explore.

Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke is firmly among them, and would represent a far more cost-effective deal for the Anfield outfit to strike ahead of 2026-27.

With that in mind, it looks as though the fears from Forest fans may be unsubstantiated, for now at least.