'If he develops': Liverpool could soon look to sign 'powerful' defender if he carries on playing well - pundit

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Liverpool are likely to be targeting a new centre-back to add to their squad in 2025.

Amazingly, the Reds have not signed a new central defender since 2021, when Ibrahima Konate joined from RB Leipzig.

In the meantime, Liverpool have lost Joel Matip, while Jarell Quansah was promoted from the academy in 2023. While that means there are still four senior centre-backs within the Liverpool squad, a refresh is certainly on the cards.

All kinds of names have been linked with the Reds as a result, with Nottingham Forest stopper Murillo one of those doing the rounds.

Murillo was sensational against Liverpool on Tuesday, with he and goalkeeper Matz Sels keeping Arne Slot’s team at bay virtually by themselves.

And after seeing him turn in a performance of the highest quality, pundit Robbie Earle has backed the Brazilian to be on the radar at Anfield.

Murillo backed for Liverpool move

Not everyone was a fan of what they saw from Murillo on Tuesday. Although he was effective, the Brazilian looks to be something of a throwback defender.

Big, strong and a little bit no-nonsense, Steve Nicol said Murillo would not fit in at Liverpool – or any top club for that matter.

However, speaking on NBC’s The 2 Robbie’s Podcast, Earle claimed that the 22-year-old could be exactly the kind of player Liverpool look to snap up if he continues to perform.

“He’s left-footed, he’s powerful, he can play, he can shoot from 40 yards, he can keep possession of the ball, can play from the back when required,” raved the pundit.

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“He’s aggressive, he’s physical, he’s tactically smart and he’s the kind of player who, in two or three years – if he develops – might find a club like Liverpool wanting to take his services. He’s that good, he’s got that much quality.

“He could be a nice left-sided balance for another aggressive, powerful centre -back next to him.”

Murillo should be in the mix for Liverpool

You can understand both sides of the coin on this one. Yes, Murillo really was a brick wall against Liverpool on Tuesday. The former Corinthians defender was on a one-man mission to win his team the game.

However, as Nicol says, Murillo’s limitations were also relatively clear. He would not be given licence to simply thump the ball clear as he did whenever he felt like it in midweek, for example.

But according to Earle Murillo can in fact play out from the back if needed. And if Liverpool agree with that verdict then they absolutely should target him.

Having seen his reputation sky-rocket again this season, Forest won’t sell Murillo on the cheap, far from it. But at 22 he is young enough to justify a big fee and could turn out to be something special. Liverpool should certainly be monitoring his development.