Barcelona’s defensive planning is already stretching well beyond the January transfer window, and a fresh update from SPORT has shed light on one name that is steadily gaining traction inside the club.
According to the report, Barça are closely monitoring Murillo, the left-footed centre-back currently playing for Nottingham Forest.
However, this is very much a move being considered for next summer rather than an immediate January push.
It is said that Murillo is viewed as a defender who fits the tactical demands of head coach Hansi Flick.
His ability to defend aggressively, step out with the ball, and operate comfortably on the left side of central defence aligns well with Flick’s ideas.
The club believes his profile suits a high defensive line and a system that requires centre-backs to be proactive rather than reactive.
Not a new target
Importantly, Murillo is not a new name for Barcelona’s hierarchy, as he is already well known to Deco and the Blaugrana technical secretariat.
The Brazilian defender has long been identified as a “Barça-type” centre-back, particularly now that the club is actively searching for a natural left-footer in defence.
Barcelona are interested in Murillo. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
While his name has been discussed internally for some time, the current feeling is that January is not the right moment to act.
Barcelona’s positive assessment of Murillo dates back to his formative years at Corinthians.
Severe competition
Meanwhile, his performances have not gone unnoticed, with several clubs from England’s so-called “Big Six” keeping close tabs on his progress.
That level of competition is precisely why any potential deal would require a major financial effort.
Murillo is young, already proven at a high level, and fits the profile of a centre-back capable of anchoring a defence for the next decade.
These factors significantly raise both his market value and the complexity of any negotiation, especially with English clubs willing to spend heavily.
The Catalan club have already begun making discreet moves around the player’s environment.
For now, circumstances complicate any immediate approach because with Andreas Christensen currently sidelined through injury, Barcelona’s short-term defensive needs make a complex operation like Murillo’s difficult to execute.
