Real Madrid keeping tabs on 23-year-old Brazilian defender but remain cautious on transfer fee | OneFootball

According to Defensa Central, it has come to light that Real Madrid’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, has identified Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as a potential target for the summer of 2026.

It is known that the club is planning to strengthen its defence as contracts for David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are set to expire, and neither player is expected to be offered a renewal.

As such, Real Madrid have already considered several options for the centre-back role. Names like Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, and Marc Guehi have been on the club’s radar, as their contracts expire at the end of the season.

While Murillo remains an attractive option for big clubs, his current contract with Nottingham Forest runs until 2029, and Real Madrid are cautious about paying large sums for a player who has not yet demonstrated consistent elite-level performance.

Balancing transfers and squad depth

Reports mention that Real Madrid are not the only club interested in the Brazilian defender.

Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Murillo. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Bayern Munich have also expressed interest in signing him, but financial constraints mean they would need to sell players first before making a move.

For Real Madrid, free agents remain a practical priority. Signing players whose contracts are expiring is not only simpler but also considerably cheaper, allowing the club to reinforce key areas without breaking the bank.

The likes of Konate, Upamecano, and Guehi present promising alternatives. All three defenders have enormous potential and could slot seamlessly into Real Madrid’s squad, boosting competition in central defence.

With Juni Calafat leading the scouting efforts, Real Madrid are taking a calculated approach, ensuring the club makes the most of the market opportunities.

Therefore, one can expect decisive moves in the summer transfer window as Los Blancos look to secure a player who can form the backbone of the squad.