No Nottingham Forest fan could have predicted the impact Brazilian centre-back Murillo would have in such a short time following his £15million move from Corinthians last summer.
The 22-year-old arrived as an unknown and was in contention for his first-team debut before grabbing his opportunity with both hands to start his next 31 consecutive Premier League appearances between October and May.
His continued form has seen him linked with a £60million move to fellow English side Chelsea, but he looks set to stay at the City Ground and build on his impressive first season in the East Midlands.
He has formed an excellent partnership with new signing Nikola Milenkovic at the heart of the Reds defense so far in pre-season, with boss Nuno EspÃrito Santo hoping they can start pre-season together a week on Saturday.
But the defender could form another excellent partnership with one of his compatriots, with another Brazilian the subject of interest from Forest in recent days.
Nottingham Forest are making inquiries for the Brazilian ace
According to UOL , Nottingham Forest have made inquiries this summer to sign Monaco left-back Caio Henrique as Nuno look to strengthen their defensive unit ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Reds are not alone in their pursuit of the 27-year-old, with West Ham United also interested in signing the Brazilian before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.
The UOL report says he has a deal with the French side until the summer of 2027, but did not mention a price for Henrique, who is valued at £17.1m according to Transfermarkt.
Henrique missed most of last season with an ACL injury, but his excellent form since his setback could see him pose a threat at both ends of the pitch, while forming a great partnership with the young Murillo.
Why Henrique could form a great partnership with Murillo
Since being promoted back to the top flight, Forest’s recruitment of Brazilian talent has certainly played a big part in their success in avoiding relegation.
Renan Lodi, Felipe and Danilo have all played a part along the way, with Murillo arguably the best of them all given his regular starting spot under multiple managers.
The centre-back shines in possession, averaging 2.9 progressive passes per 90 last season and plays well in the hands of potential addition Henrique, who likes to create chances despite his defensive role.
In his nine appearances for Monaco last season, the “impressive” talent, described by the Brazilian scouting account, registered five assists – a staggering figure for a full-back.
He also averaged 4.8 progressive passes per 90, along with 2.3 progressive tackles, which shows his desire to create chances where possible from a defensive position.
But Henrique has also produced some impressive defensive stats, averaging 1.9 clearances and 1.2 blocks per 90 – allowing him to shine alongside compatriot Murillo at the City Ground.
While it is unclear how much a deal for the Monaco star would cost the Reds, he would be a fantastic addition and one that could dramatically improve Forest’s left-back options.
His injury last season will no doubt cause concern, but his subsequent form on his return is proof that he can still play at the highest level of European football – making him another brilliant addition to Nuno’s side.