Steve Hodge has now praised one young Nottingham Forest talent who has taken the City Ground “by storm” this season.
The Garibaldi endured a tough 2023/24 campaign, which saw Steve Cooper sacked and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo in December, before survival was narrowly sealed with a points haul of just 32 from 38 Premier League outings.
Therefore, shrewd recruitment will be key as Nottingham Forest attempt to avoid yet another relegation battle – and Steve Hodge has now told the Reds what they must do, while also praising one young talent…
Steve Hodge hails Murillo and sends Nottingham Forest transfer message
The man who made 230 appearances for Nottingham Forest across two spells at the City Ground has now held Murillo up as an example of what Ross Wilson must find more of in the market.
Speaking on BBC Radio Nottingham’s Shut Up And Show More Football podcast, Hodge said: “There will be players who will be moved on. You have to have a refresh every summer anyway to get younger players like Murillo – who comes in from nowhere and takes the place by storm.
“As we know every year, recruitment is the biggest issue within a football club to go forward – that is vital, the older players will get eased out in time.”
It sounds as if Nottingham Forest have already decided to show a ruthless streak ahead of the summer transfer window, as Wayne Hennessey, Felipe, Harry Arter and Cheikhou Kouyate will all be released.
Jonathan Panzo will also search for a new club – while a sizeable fee is expected from Lyon for Orel Mangala, who recently admitted his desire to stay in France.
Brazilian wonderkid is the benchmark
Hodge was right to pick out Murillo.
The 21-year-old has been a sensation at the City Ground ever since arriving in a £15m deal from Corinthians back in August 2023, with his standout performances even catching the eye of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Nottingham Forest now value Murillo at a sum of £70m – a figure elite clubs can afford to pay in the modern era, with Chelsea’s £70m capture of Wesley Fofana an example of that.
Should a £70m sale actually occur, Nottingham Forest would be £55m in profit, balancing the books while also ensuring there is enough cash to find a decent replacement.
The signing of Callum Hudson-Odoi for just £3m, someone who is now attracting interest from Tottenham, is another example of the type of signing Nottingham Forest need more of.
If the Reds can make a habit of this, then operating as a sustainable Premier League club shouldn’t be an issue for Evangelos Marinakis.
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