MU enamored with Brazilian 'defensive gem', Real quietly waiting for the right moment

Manchester United is reportedly targeting a young Brazilian center-back who is impressing in the Premier League, but Real Madrid is also quietly monitoring the situation.

Manchester United is preparing for a busy summer transfer window to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season. Besides plans to add two central midfielders, the Old Trafford side also wants to bring in a full-back and a left-sided attacking player to increase squad depth.

Additionally, the center-back position is also becoming a major concern for Manchester United's leadership. The 2025-26 season saw the "Red Devils' defense continuously affected by injuries. Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined long-term due to back issues, while Lisandro Martinez is facing difficulties in recovering from a calf injury.

In that context, Murillo, a center-back under contract with Nottingham Forest, has emerged as a potential target. According to multiple reports from England, Man United values the Brazilian player due to his combination of youth, robust physicality, and Premier League experience despite his recent arrival in the league.

Murillo moved to Nottingham Forest from Corinthians in the summer of 2023 and quickly became a pillar of the defense. To date, the 23-year-old has made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 4 goals and contributing 2 assists. This season alone, he has scored 2 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions.

However, Man United will not easily win this deal. Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all reportedly closely monitoring the Brazilian center-back. Murillo's current contract with Nottingham Forest runs until summer 2029, so the club holds full control in negotiations.

Even if Nottingham Forest successfully stays in the Premier League this season, retaining Murillo is predicted to be very difficult. His steady progress and impressive form, especially in the 2024-25 season, have attracted the attention of many European giants.

For Manchester United, the need to add a quality center-back is becoming increasingly urgent. If the deal succeeds, Murillo could become a crucial piece in the process of rejuvenating and rebuilding the "Red Devils' defense in the coming seasons.