Liverpool’s 2024/25 campaign was one of undisputed success, but there are some within Arne Slot’s squad who will have been left feeling pensive in spite of the club’s incredible Premier League triumph.
Harvey Elliott, for one, adores Liverpool and has no doubt envisaged a career-long affinity with the Anfield side, dominating with his creative flair and ingenuity. However, starting berths were few and far between after Jurgen Klopp left, and the recent club-record acquisition of Florian Wirtz would see the 21-year-old play still less.
That’s why he’s expected to leave this summer, with Brighton & Hove Albion among the interested parties, prepared to pay £40m for the talented playmaker.
But Elliott isn’t the only one. Jarell Quansah has been another of the Merseysiders’ most exciting prospects after emerging in 2023/24 and earning praise for his “absolute monster” season from talent scout Jacek Kulig.
However, Slot wasn’t so enamoured as his predecessor, and after subbing the young centre-back off against Ipswich Town last August, the first game of a new era, Quansah never looked the same.
Thus, a deal worth £30m plus add-ons has been agreed with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of the Three Lions star, who has been called up to the national camp, if not actually fielded yet.
So much potential; it’s a shame. However, FSG aren’t messing about this summer, and have already found their dream replacement in Marc Guehi.
Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi
Guehi is one of the most exciting defenders in English football, having only got better under Oliver Glasner’s Eagles wing, already established at Crystal Palace after leaving Chelsea for £18m in 2021.
The 24-year-old is the real deal, all right, and played an instrumental part in Palace’s stunning FA Cup triumph in May, beating Manchester City in the final.
It’s been reported that Liverpool are close to agreeing personal terms for the England international, who is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
However, Guehi wants assurances over his playing time; with Ibrahima Konate believed to have rejected Liverpool’s latest contract proposal, maybe he’ll get his wish.
Though Guehi is “among the best centre-backs”, as claimed by one data analyst, Liverpool are keeping their options open. Indeed, there’s another on the outfit’s shortlist who might be an even bigger talent.
Liverpool eyeing Guehi alternative
As per The Athletic, Liverpool have an admiration for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, though they have concerns over the Tricky Trees’ £80m valuation.
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Murillo, 22, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s biggest breakout stars and is also coveted by Chelsea. Though it’s absolutely certain that Liverpool would not be forking out £80m for the Brazilian, if the young talent pushes for an exit, a deal may yet be struck.
After joining Forest from Brazilian side Corinthians for £15m in August 2023, Murillo signed a new long-term deal in January 2025, extending his deal to the end of the 2028/29 season.
Why Liverpool want Murillo
Let’s be clear: the chances of Liverpool signing Murillo are low, but it is not out of the question. The hulking centre-half is one of the most ferocious defenders in the business, praised as a “monster” by teammate Anthony Elanga and as “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by certain experts on Brazilian football.
Over the past two years, Murillo has played 68 times in the Premier League, instrumental in reinforcing Nottingham Forest as a Premier League outfit and then lifting them into the top half of the division, securing a place in European competition through their efforts last season.
He’s also a bit Joel Matip-esque, capable of taking the ball and ploughing forwards in a way which is elusive to most backliners. To be honest, though, scant few defenders would even attempt the Brazilian’s trademark forays, sure to end in a wonder goal at some stage.
Guehi likes to carry the ball upfield too, as you will see through the statistical analysis coming up in a moment, but Murillo simply does it better.
Indeed, both players enjoyed stunning seasons in their own right, but Murillo perhaps edges his positional peer after demonstrating a blooming roundedness that, with a bit more work, could see him become a superstar in Slot’s system.
Matches (starts)
36 (36)
34 (34)
Goals
2
3
Assists
0
2
Clean sheets
11
11
Touches*
55.4
64.9
Pass completion
80%
84%
Key passes*
0.4
0.5
Ball recoveries*
3.9
4.3
Dribbles*
0.8
0.4
Tackles + interceptions*
2.5
2.6
Clearances*
6.7
4.6
Duels (won)*
3.6 (60%)
4.9 (59%)
In fairness, facing Murillo and Guehi off against each other is akin to splitting hairs: both have proven their quality in the Premier League, and both have demonstrated a technical aptitude that would allow them to dovetail into the Anfield side.
It’s worth noting that Murillo has played in a system which precludes ball-playing emphasis. Nuno Espirito Santo has fashioned something special at the City Ground, qualifying for the Conference League with a seventh-place Premier League finish, and he did so without the ball.
Forest averaged 41.2% of possession in 2024/25, as per FBref, in front of only Everton and Ipswich Town for that metric. This, basically, shines a positive light on Murillo’s creativity, still finding cause to play progressive passes with consistency in spite of the limited ball time. He’d fit Slot’s system like a glove.
He’s also marginally ahead of Guehi in terms of duel success, a further illustration of his defensive prowess. While Murillo would need some work to shape his skill set into the completeness of a Liverpool-tailored central defender, there’s no question that he’s an outstanding talent who has proven his elite credentials in the Premier League.
Moreover, his creativity and athleticism prove the conclusive factors in outstripping another wonderful player in Guehi – and he’s two years his junior at that.
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