Nottingham Forest’s exit-linked Murillo sends cryptic message, Joao Pedro reacts
Brighton’s Joao Pedro reacted to a cryptic message from Nottingham Forest star Murillo ahead of a crucial match against Tottenham.
The Tricky Trees have been the Premier League’s surprise package this season, challenging for Champions League spots whilst also making it to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
However, in recent weeks Nuno Espirito Santo’s team have slowed and a top-five finish seems far less assured than it once did.
Failing to qualify for the Champions League could lead to profit and sustainability issues for Forest, whilst some of the Premier League’s most financially well equipped teams hover around their star talent.
Morgan Gibbs-White has been linked with a move to Man City, whilst Tottenham are interested in Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Having lost their previous two games to Aston Villa and Everton, Forest will be keen to make amends when they take on Tottenham on Monday (21 April).
Chelsea-linked Murillo sends cryptic message to Nottingham Forest fans
Adorning a Corinthians top, the team Forest signed him from, Chelsea transfer target Murillo posted a message to Instagram, captioned: “We don’t know about them, but they know about us”.
The post was then liked by Pedro, who himself has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool.
Murillo epitomises the joyous football Nottingham Forest have played this season
Football Insider Verdict
There’s something brilliant about a Brazilian centre-back who has absolutely no hesitation when it comes to simply leathering a shot from 30-plus yards out.
Reminiscent of former Chelsea defenders Alex and David Luiz, Murillo’s style of play may just be one of the most refreshing things a Premier League fan can witness.
Not just limited to speculative long-range efforts, the former Corinthians centre-back’s ability to drive upfield with the ball epitomises what is so fantastic about Forest under Santo.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Murillo |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Starts | 31 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes | 2,750 |
Where others follow, the Portuguese manager bucks the trend of keeping the ball at all costs, in favour of actually focusing on his players’ individual strengths.
Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga and Gibbs-White make up arguably the most entertaining attacking triumvirate, whilst Ola Aina and Nico Williams’ willingness to get forward and support the attacks really embody the modern fullback.
Be it Champions League football next season or not, Forest have been a treat to watch this season and it would be a real shame to see this team torn apart in the coming transfer window.