One Premier League star has now surprisingly revealed that Crystal Palace tried to sign him last summer.
Dougie Freedman has proven himself to be a man who can spot talent all across the globe, having signed Daniel Munoz in an £8.5m deal from KRC Genk, Chadi Riad from Real Betis in a £15m move, and also plenty of local bargains as well in the £8m signing of Michael Olise from Reading – and Sam Johnstone on a free transfer.
Now, it has been revealed that our Director of Football nearly secured another bargain last summer…
Murillo says Crystal Palace tried to sign him
Nottingham Forest No.40 Murillo has now revealed that Crystal Palace tried to sign him in the summer of 2023 – before his £15m move to the City Ground.
The Brazilian told ESPN: “It was Nottingham (who pushed hardest). There was an enquiry from Crystal Palace. I think Wolverhampton (as well). Teams like that, but who really tried was Nottingham Forest. For me, I’m living a dream.”
A story from the Guardian claims that Nottingham Forest now value Murillo at £70m after an outstanding debut campaign in England – where he was named Player of the Season at the City Ground.
Crystal Palace fans may actually recall the South American running the length of the pitch in our 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park back in October, where he nearly scored a Goal of the Season contender but for a fine save from Johnstone.
Promising update
While it is obviously disappointing to hear that Freedman spotted Murillo before he became a star – but couldn’t get a deal done – it is very encouraging to hear that the Glaswegian was alert to the situation in the first place.
£15m for the 22-year-old now looks like a total bargain from Nottingham Forest, and while Crystal Palace missed out on this occasion, our Director of Football is clearly alive to market opportunities all over the planet.
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That bodes well for Oliver Glasner going forward, and should also mean that fans feel comfortable to see unknown players arrive at Selhurst Park, safe in the knowledge that Freedman can clearly spot diamonds in the rough.
