Liverpool explores Murillo & Van de Ven transfers as the club targets defensive reinforcements this summer, with former Reds defender Glen Johnson advocating for moves for Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven. The Premier League heavyweights at Anfield are facing a critical juncture in strengthening the heart of their back four, particularly with key departures and the advancing age of their captain.
The defensive overhaul comes amid the impending departure of Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is running down, leaving a significant void at centre-half. Konate, 26, is set to become a free agent, necessitating immediate action in the transfer market. Club captain Virgil van Dijk, while under contract for another year, will turn 35 in July 2026, prompting the need for a long-term successor to the decorated Dutchman.
Liverpool’s transfer strategy in 2025 saw substantial investment in attacking talent, including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, alongside full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. However, the focus for 2026 has unequivocally shifted to bolstering a defensive unit described as ‘creaking.’ The Reds have already been linked with several players currently plying their trade with top-flight rivals in England, signaling a clear intent to recruit within the Premier League.
Premier League Proven Centre-Halves
Among the primary targets are Nottingham Forest’s exciting Brazilian defender, Murillo, who has consistently caught the eye and registered on multiple recruitment radars. His performances have even led to speculation about him becoming a ‘first £100m defender.’ Simultaneously, Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, known for his power and pace, is another strong candidate, even as Spurs battle to fend off relegation threats this summer.
Glen Johnson, speaking exclusively to GOAL courtesy of BetMGM, emphasized the value of Premier League experience for any prospective Liverpool signings.
“I think it’s important with Premier League experience in whatever position they’re trying to improve in, because it’s not just improving the position, they need to compete with whoever’s going to be the league winners. It’s not as easy as getting someone with that experience, they just need to be good enough. But I definitely feel proven, they haven’t got the time to buy a 20-year-old that could be the best player, best centre-back in five years’ time or six years’ time, they need to start competing now.”
Johnson added that Murillo and Micky van de Ven appear to be the ‘obvious’ choices from within the Premier League, though their ability to step up and compete for titles remains to be seen.
The former Liverpool full-back further suggested that the club might need to sign two central defenders this summer, not merely to replace Konate, but to plan for the future beyond Van Dijk. “They probably need two, but going against what I said just now, one that can step in now that’s good enough to compete, and then one that can potentially replace them in three or four years,” Johnson explained. This dual approach would address both immediate needs and long-term succession planning for the club.
The impending transfer window also brings into focus the managerial situation at Anfield. A year after delivering the Premier League title, Arne Slot is reportedly operating under mounting pressure. Boos from the stands during the Reds’ 1-1 draw with Chelsea highlight fan dissatisfaction, even as Liverpool clings to fourth place and Champions League qualification remains on the cards. The discussions around potential changes in the dugout suggest that whoever is at the helm will face significant reconstruction work on a squad that has underperformed expectations in the 2025-26 season.
The pursuit of proven Premier League centre-halves like Murillo and Micky van de Ven underscores Liverpool’s immediate need to solidify its defense and maintain competitiveness at the highest level. The upcoming summer window will be pivotal in determining whether the club can successfully integrate these talents and address the structural weaknesses that have emerged this season, all while navigating potential changes in leadership.
