FC Barcelona is still scouring the market in search of a center-back who will reinforce the defense with a view to the future… one of the names that is most appreciated in Camp Nou offices is Murillo, a Brazilian defender for Nottingham Forest. At 23 years old, he has established himself as one of the most reliable and promising center-backs in the Premier League. This progression has not gone unnoticed by Deco, who has been following him very closely for some time.

Murillo, un perfil que enamora a Deco

This is not a new interest. Deco already had positive reports on Murillo from his time in Brazil, but his definitive breakthrough in England has finally convinced him. He is a left-footed defender, strong in one-on-ones, quick in interceptions, and with good ball distribution. Murillo fits perfectly into the profile that Barça is looking for to reinforce the heart of its back line.

People at Barcelona particularly value his ability to defend far from the box, which is something that is key for Hansi Flick’s style, who wants a brave, high, and aggressive defense in pressing. Murillo not only meets that requirement… he also has a maturity that is unusual for his age, which has allowed him to perform immediately in a league as demanding as the Premier League.

Una temporada que dispara su valor

The problem for Barça is precisely that: Murillo is completing an outstanding season with Nottingham Forest. He has become a structural piece of the team, playing practically everything and successfully facing some of the best forwards in the world. This has caused his name to already appear on the agendas of several top clubs in England.

Clubs from the top part of the Premier are following him closely and are in a position to undertake an investment that Barça, right now, can’t afford. Nottingham Forest has no need to sell and, if it does, it will be for a very high fee. People at Camp Nou assume that his price is beyond the club’s immediate reach.

Hansi Flick lo quiere, pero la economía manda

Hansi Flick is very much in favor of the arrival of a center-back of this profile. The German coach’s idea is to rejuvenate and strengthen the center of the defense with footballers who are quick, forceful, and have good tactical awareness. Murillo fits that plan like a glove.

However, the economic reality sets its limits. Barça is not in a position to carry out a big-money operation at this time. Even less so in a position in which there are other priorities and where the sporting management also considers more affordable or even internal solutions.

Una ilusión más que una realidad

For that reason, according to information obtained by Madrid-Barcelona, the interest in Murillo is today more a strategic aspiration than a real operation. Deco doesn’t want to lose sight of him, he follows him and values him as an ideal medium-term option… but he knows that right now it is practically impossible to compete with the financial muscle of the Premier League.

Murillo is appreciated, he convinces, and he fits. But Barça will have to wait. Either for the economic context to improve, or for the player himself to force a move in the future. Until then, the Brazilian will remain that name underlined in red in Deco’s notebook: the perfect center-back, but still out of reach.