Liverpool line up Marc Guehi alternative as Chelsea face threat of losing out on Brazilian defender
Liverpool have reportedly added Murillo to their list of potential defensive signings as the club widens its search for reinforcements at centre-back.
While the Reds remain confident of securing top target Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace next summer, contingency plans are in motion amid growing competition from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Guehi deal complications
Liverpool came close to landing Guehi in the previous transfer window, but Palace chairman Steve Parish refused to sell as the club prepared for their first-ever Europa Conference League campaign. Though understandable, that decision could prove costly for Liverpool, as sources suggest Guehi is now tempted by interest from Real Madrid, who plan to strengthen their defence with two new centre-backs due to concerns over David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.
Murillo among seven-man shortlist
In case Guehi moves abroad, Liverpool have identified several alternatives, including Nottingham Forest’s Murillo, who joins a shortlist featuring:
Marc Guehi
Murillo
Castello Lukeba
Dayot Upamecano
Ronald Araujo
Jarrad Branthwaite
Sven Botman
Football insider Mark Brus told The Daily Briefing:
> “Murillo is also well liked at Liverpool. Forest will probably need to sell him soon, and although Chelsea have shown interest, Liverpool are keeping close tabs too.”
Long-term planning
Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Richard Hughes, is not only preparing for the possibility of missing out on Guehi but also considering long-term successors for Virgil van Dijk. With Ibrahima Konate’s contract expiring in 2026 and potential Real Madrid interest, the club could soon require two new central defenders.
Why Murillo appeals to Liverpool
Murillo’s aerial dominance and confidence on the ball have stood out early this season. Although his aerial duel success (65.7%) last term was average, his improved numbers in 2025 show encouraging progress.
Statistically, Murillo offers strong attacking qualities for a defender:
27 successful dribbles (compared to Konate’s 3)
73% dribble success rate
Comfortable in possession, though sometimes overconfident, having been dispossessed more often than Konate.
Manager Arne Slot is reportedly impressed by Murillo’s ability to play out from the back but would need to address his risk-taking in possession.
In short, Murillo represents a promising, attack-minded alternative to Guehi — and Liverpool’s interest signals a proactive approach to reinforcing their backline for the future.