BREAKING NEWS: Fantastic news has been confirmed for Liverpool fans this morning.

Liverpool has only a few hours remaining to make any last-minute transfers in the current window, but club officials seem to be looking ahead to a major recruitment effort in the summer.

Another January has passed with no new signings at Anfield and little movement on contract renewals for Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, or Trent Alexander-Arnold. Fortunately, the team’s strong on-field performances have helped balance out an otherwise quiet month off the pitch. However, if that key trio were to leave later this year, finding replacements would be a tough task.

A report this Monday suggests that Liverpool may already have a potential replacement in mind for Van Dijk if he were to depart.

Liverpool ‘seriously interested’ in Murillo

As reported by strike90mins, Liverpool’s decision-makers are showing significant interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, even though the 22-year-old recently signed a new long-term deal at the City Ground just two weeks ago.

Despite this contract extension, the Brazilian centre-back is said to be open to a move to Anfield, provided both clubs can agree on a transfer fee. However, Forest have made it clear that they will not accept any offers below £80 million. Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly interested in the player.

Why Liverpool’s pursuit of Murillo makes sense

While Liverpool will hope Van Dijk stays, the fact is that he will turn 34 in July, and even if he signs an extension, the club needs to plan for the future.

Murillo, if he is indeed interested in moving to Liverpool, put in an outstanding performance when Nottingham Forest faced the Reds last month, registering an impressive 17 clearances in their 1-1 draw (Sofascore).

In the past year, the Brazilian has ranked in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for clearances (6.16 per game), successful take-ons (0.63 per game), and among the top 12% for blocks per 90 minutes (1.72) (FBref).

After Liverpool’s recent visit to the City Ground, Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley described Murillo as “a completely unique defender” with “excellent anticipation” and the confidence to carry the ball forward and take shots from distance.

Given his ability and potential, it’s clear why Forest have set such a high asking price for him and why Liverpool sees him as a long-term replacement for Van Dijk. Ideally, the Reds would secure him while Van Dijk is still at the club, allowing them to play together rather than simply replacing one with the other.

Van Dijk’s £75 million transfer seven years ago transformed Liverpool’s defense, turning it from weak to solid in a short period of time. If the club is willing to make another significant investment, Murillo could have a similar impact at Anfield.