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Published February 4, 2025 1:05pm Updated February 4, 2025 1:06pm
Nottingham Forest reportedly rejected a record transfer offer from Chelsea for ‘fan-favourite’ star Murillo in January, it has been revealed.
Murillo has established himself as one of the most impressive centre-backs in the Premier League since joining Forest from Corinthians in 2023.
The Brazilian has been one of Forest’s most important players amid their incredible season under head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, with the club currently third in the top-fight and dreaming of the Champions League.
It has now emerged that Chelsea made attempts to sign Murillo during the winter transfer window before the 11pm deadline last night.
The Telegraph report that Chelsea’s bid would have marked a record sale for Forest – but the east Midlands club were not willing to let him depart.
It is unknown exactly how much Chelsea offered, but it was above the £47.5m fee Tottenham paid Forest to sign Brennan Johnson in 2023.
Forest announced via their website on January 21 that they had agreed a new long-term contract with the 22-year-old defender, running until 2029.
‘Murillo joined Forest from Corinthians as a relatively unknown young prospect and made his debut against Brentford in October 2023, five weeks after his arrival,’ Forest said in a statement.
‘Since then, he has been a key player at the heart of the Forest defence and was named the Club’s Player of the Season in his first year in the Premier League.
‘A combative, skilful defender who is comfortable on the ball, the Brazilian quickly became a fan favourite.
‘His form has continued into the current campaign and aside from at Goodison Park, Murillo has played every minute in the Premier League so far.
‘His performances have seen him recognised by the national team and he earned his first international call-up in November last year.’
Murillo has played a total of 59 games for Forest to date and has formed an impressive partnership with Nikola Milenkovic in central defence.
