FC Barcelona are reportedly ready to step up their search for a new left-side central defender next summer and one of their top targets could come from the Premier League.
Murillo emerges as top left-footed target for Barcelona — but at a price
The player under serious consideration is 23-year-old Brazilian centre-back Murillo, currently starring for Nottingham Forest.
Observers say Murillo represents exactly the kind of profile Barcelona need — young, left-footed and already battle-tested in a top European league.
Forest value Murillo rather highly. CaughtOffside suggest that any club hoping to sign him will need to meet an asking price in the ballpark of €80–90 million (roughly £70–80 million).
That fee may prove steep for Barcelona, especially given the club also needs to spend on a new striker once Robert Lewandowski departs next summer.
Still, Barcelona’s coaching staff and sporting directors appear keen to press ahead.
Manager Hansi Flick has reportedly identified a left-footed centre-back as a top priority during the next transfer window, citing the departure of Inigo Martínez as a gap that must be filled.
Whether Barcelona will be able to meet the fee remains to be seen. Financial constraints and the likelihood of needing to invest heavily in attack too could force the club to reconsider.
But for now, Murillo remains among the defenders under serious consideration, and Barcelona’s interest shows no sign of cooling.
