Can Nottingham Forest keep Murillo for 10 years? Des Walker explains why Brazilian star has no reason to leave

Can Nottingham Forest keep Murillo for 10 years? Des Walker explains why Brazilian star has no reason to leave

Nottingham Forest have unearthed one of the Premier League’s standout defenders in Murillo, and club legend Des Walker believes the Brazilian has every reason to stay at the City Ground for years to come.

With Europe’s biggest clubs continuing to monitor the 24-year-old, speculation surrounding his future refuses to disappear. However, Walker insists Forest should do everything possible to build around their defensive star rather than prepare for life without him.

Forest’s priceless defensive jewel

Since arriving from Corinthians in 2023, Murillo has quickly become one of Forest’s most influential players.

His composure on the ball, athleticism and willingness to play progressive football have made him one of the Premier League’s most admired centre-backs, while his popularity with supporters continues to grow.

Already a Brazil international, the defender has even been tipped by some to become the first £100 million centre-back in football history.

For now, though, Forest remain in a strong position.

Murillo is under contract for another four years and has shown little indication that he is pushing for a move away.

Des Walker: “He’s got everything to reach the top”

Speaking to GOAL, courtesy of talkSPORT Bet Online Slots, Walker praised Murillo’s outstanding ability while highlighting areas where the defender can still improve.

“He’s got great ability.

“First and foremost, when you’re a defender, it’s about defending. Clean sheets are everything.

“His reading of the game is very, very good. At times he could be a little more proactive instead of relying on his speed and recovery.”

Walker believes Murillo’s relaxed personality occasionally works against him, but also recognises the enormous potential that has made him one of England’s most exciting young defenders.

“He’s Brazilian, he’s relaxed and chilled, so sometimes that can catch you out.

“But every game is a learning curve.

“Most importantly, he’s got the ability, and he’s got enough quality to reach the very top.”

Forest should build around him

Walker accepts that modern football often makes it difficult for clubs outside the traditional elite to hold onto their biggest stars.

However, he believes Forest should resist any temptation to sell unless an extraordinary offer becomes impossible to ignore.

“Football is at a stage now where if the really big offer comes in, clubs will usually sell.

“But Forest should hold onto him for as long as they possibly can.

“He’s a top-class footballer and players like him aren’t easy to replace.”

With Elliot Anderson already having departed, Walker feels keeping Murillo is even more important to Forest’s long-term ambitions.

“Why not make Forest the top club?”

Rather than viewing a transfer as the natural next step, Walker believes Murillo has an opportunity to become the cornerstone of Nottingham Forest’s future.

“I understand ambition.

“But for me, Forest is as good a football club as any in the country.

“The ambition shouldn’t always be to leave. The ambition should be to make your club the very best.”

Walker believes Forest should reward Murillo accordingly while giving him the platform to achieve his goals without needing to move elsewhere.

“If he’s a top player, then you build the team around him.

“You make Nottingham Forest stronger because that’s what top players should do.

“I’d love to see him stay for 10 years and see just how far this club can go.

“That would be something special—not just for the fans, but for the whole city.”

As transfer interest continues to grow, Forest face an increasingly difficult challenge. But if Walker has his way, Murillo’s future will be written at the City Ground—not somewhere else.