Nottingham Forest have secured a significant victory off the pitch by tying down their standout defender Murillo to a new long-term contract, which will keep him at the City Ground until 2029. The announcement, made last night, has been met with widespread acclaim from the club’s fans and players, reflecting Murillo’s meteoric rise and importance to Forest’s ambitions.
The 22-year-old Brazilian, who signed for Forest in 2023 for a modest £10.6 million, has seen his stock skyrocket after a series of commanding performances this season. Murillo has been instrumental in Forest’s remarkable Premier League campaign, where they currently sit in third place. Alongside Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic, he has formed a formidable partnership that has transformed the Reds’ defense into one of the league’s most reliable units. Together, they’ve significantly reduced the number of goals conceded, with Forest keeping far more clean sheets in the 2024/25 season compared to last year.
Murillo’s journey to this point hasn’t been without challenges. In his debut season, while he showed immense potential, Forest struggled defensively, particularly at set pieces, and Murillo bore some criticism for lapses in those situations. However, under the mentorship of Milenkovic, an experienced and uncompromising presence at the back, Murillo has grown leaps and bounds. This season, he has been virtually ever-present, missing just one Premier League match in December against Everton. His physicality, composure, and ability to read the game have earned him plaudits and made him one of the league’s most exciting young defenders.
Murillo’s performances have not gone unnoticed. Prior to his move to Nottingham Forest, Manchester City had expressed strong interest in the Brazilian, but Forest acted decisively to secure his signature. Now, with his value skyrocketing thanks to his displays this season, the Citizens might be regretting their decision not to act more assertively. Murillo’s potential is undeniable, and it is believed that his market value has soared into the stratosphere, making him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
The announcement of his contract extension has also highlighted the positive atmosphere within the Forest dressing room. Following the club’s social media post confirming the news, Murillo’s teammates Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga shared their reactions online. Gibbs-White wrote, “About time,” expressing a sense of relief and approval, while Elanga affectionately referred to Murillo as “Monstro,” a term of admiration that translates to “Monster,” along with a heart-eyed emoji. These reactions reflect the high regard in which Murillo is held by his peers.
Securing Murillo until 2029 is a major statement of intent from Forest. While there is no guarantee that he will remain at the club for the entirety of his contract, especially given the interest from Europe’s elite, the new deal puts the Reds in a strong position. It allows them to demand a substantial fee should they choose to part ways with him in the future. Furthermore, Forest’s ambitions of qualifying for European competition this season could provide an incentive for Murillo to stay longer and continue his development at the City Ground.
Murillo’s progression is a testament to Forest’s smart recruitment strategy and his own ability to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League. At just 22, he has a bright future ahead of him, and this contract extension ensures that Forest will benefit from his talents for as long as possible. For now, Murillo remains a cornerstone of a team that is not only thriving but exceeding expectations, and his story exemplifies the club’s upward trajectory in the English game.