FC Barcelona expands search: Club confirms interest beyond Jonathan Tah

FC Barcelona continue to explore options to bolster their defense, with a particular focus on next season. While Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen has been a prominent name in their shortlist, it seems the Catalan giants are casting their net wider.

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As the winter transfer window nears its close, Barcelona's attention has naturally shifted towards the summer. The club is keen on signing a new defender and Tah, who is out of contract with Bayer Leverkusen, remains a strong candidate.

However, according to Sport, Barcelona is also monitoring Murillo, a 22-year-old Brazilian center-back currently playing for Nottingham Forest. Murillo's profile aligns well with Barcelona's search for a young, left-footed defender with excellent ball-playing abilities, pace, and physicality.

Why Murillo?

Murillo's inclusion on Barcelona's radar is due to several factors:

• Age and Potential: At 22, Murillo is considered a promising young talent with plenty of room for growth.
• Left-footed: Barcelona are keen on adding a left-footed center-back to their squad to provide balance and versatility.
• Playing Style: Murillo's ability to build play from the back and his physical attributes make him an attractive option for a team that likes to dominate possession.
• Affordable: With his contract situation at Nottingham Forest, Murillo could be a more affordable option than other targets.

Competition for Murillo

While Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Murillo, they will face competition from other European clubs interested in securing the young defender's signature. Murillo's performances in the Premier League have not gone unnoticed, and it is likely that several top-tier clubs will be monitoring his situation.

Barcelona's Defensive Plans

Barcelona's defensive unit has been a subject of much debate in recent seasons. The club has sought to strengthen this area of the team, and the signing of a new center-back is seen as a priority. With the likes of Jonathan Tah and Murillo on their radar, Barcelona are well-positioned to secure a top-quality defender in the summer transfer window.

As the summer transfer window approaches, it will be interesting to see if Barcelona can successfully finalize a deal for either Tah, Murillo, or another target. The club's decision will have a significant impact on their chances of challenging for major honors in the coming seasons.