Nottingham Forest to sell stars before Murillo offer accepted - O'Rourke

11/02/2025 16:36

Nottingham Forest will sell other stars before parting with defender Murillo if they run into financial issues, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (10 February) that Chelsea interest in Murillo will not go away after Forest rejected a club-record figure from the Blues for the 22-year-old in January.

The Brazilian later signed a new contract at the City Ground running until 2029.

Forest are “desperate” to keep Murillo at the club, sources say, and will prefer to sell other stars if they hit more trouble with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Nottingham Forest hatch plan to halt Chelsea buying Murillo

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have spent big in recent years and despite their challenge for Champions League qualification this term, could need to part with at least one of their top performers to balance the books – similarly to Aston Villa.

But the Midlands club are determined it won’t be Murillo, who could be tempted to stay at the City Ground should Forest qualify for Europe’s elite club competition.

Brennan Johnson was previously sold by Forest to minimise their losses under PSR despite coming through the club’s academy.

Murillo has made 23 appearances across all competitions this term, starting in each of those outings and forging a formidable partnership with Nikola Milenkovic.

Nottingham Forest fans responded with glee when his new contract was announced officially by the club last month.

Cunha opens the door to move after Nottingham Forest interest

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest target Matheus Cunha has already opened the door to a Wolves exit despite only recently signing a new deal.

That contract includes a £62.5million release clause which has safeguarded the 25-year-old's value to Wolves.

It is believed Cunha, who was also high on the shortlist for Arsenal in January, demanded the buyout clause as he is determined to play for a bigger club in the near future.

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The post Nottingham Forest to sell stars before Murillo offer accepted - O'Rourke appeared first on Football Insider.