Liverpool line up Marc Guehi alternative as Chelsea face threat over pursuit of Brazilian defender
Murillo has reportedly emerged as a name on Liverpool’s defensive shortlist, with the club exploring a wide range of centre-back options in the transfer market.
The Reds are said to remain confident of securing their top target, Marc Guehi, next summer, but are also preparing for alternative scenarios amid reported interest in the England international from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Liverpool preparing backup plan for Marc Guehi
Liverpool came close to signing the Crystal Palace captain during the last transfer window. However, as Steve Parish confirmed on Sunday, Palace were unwilling to let Guehi leave ahead of their maiden Europa Conference League campaign — a decision Liverpool respected but which could ultimately cost them.
According to Empire of the Kop, Guehi is increasingly drawn to the prospect of a move to Real Madrid, who are expected to target two new defenders due to uncertainty surrounding David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger.
Murillo part of Liverpool’s seven-man shortlist
Should Guehi decide to head abroad, Liverpool have expanded their search. Among the names under consideration is Murillo, the Brazilian centre-back currently at Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool’s shortlist reportedly includes:
Marc Guehi
Murillo
Castello Lukeba
Dayot Upamecano
Ronald Araújo
Jarrad Branthwaite
Sven Botman
“The other is Nottingham Forest’s Murillo,” journalist Mark Brus told The Daily Briefing. “My source says Murillo is admired at Liverpool. Forest may have to sell him soon, and though Chelsea are also interested, Liverpool will be in the mix.”
This suggests sporting director Richard Hughes and his recruitment team aren’t just planning for short-term needs but also looking ahead to identifying a potential successor for Virgil van Dijk.
Player Minutes Played Avg Rating Duels Won Aerial Duels Pass Accuracy
Murillo 307 6.96 62.5% 80% 83.9%
Marc Guehi 630 7.63 67.7% 67.9% 86.4%
2025/26 Premier League stats via Fotmob
Liverpool’s interest may also be linked to Ibrahima Konaté’s contract, which expires in 2026. With Real Madrid reportedly monitoring him for a possible free transfer, Liverpool could soon need two new centre-backs — making Murillo’s name even more significant.
Why Murillo appeals to Liverpool
Although based on limited data, Murillo’s early aerial dominance this season has caught attention. Last year, his aerial duel rate stood at 65.7%, but the improvement could indicate growing physicality and confidence.
Equally important is his ability on the ball. In the 2024/25 campaign, the Brazilian completed 27 successful dribbles (compared to Konaté’s 3) and achieved a 73% dribble success rate versus the Frenchman’s 60%.
However, he was also dispossessed five times more often, meaning Arne Slot would likely address his decision-making in possession to balance risk and reward.
In short, Murillo offers an intriguing mix of technical ability and progressive play — qualities Liverpool value highly — and could become a serious alternative if their pursuit of Marc Guehi fails.
