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“That’s wrong, how can a FLOP like him be earning more than Murillo? he should be drop immediately”- Edu Gasper told to Ditch Forest player who earns way more than Murillo
No Nottingham Forest fan could have predicted the impressive start to the Premier League season that Nuno EspÃrito Santo’s side have enjoyed.
After the first 10 games of the new campaign, the Reds are sitting comfortably in third place, ahead of Arsenal and just six points behind league leaders Liverpool—who, notably, are the only team to have lost to Forest this season in all competitions.
Chris Wood has continued his excellent form from last year, scoring eight goals already, second only to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the Premier League goal charts. The New Zealand striker has been key to Forest’s success, including netting a brace against Leicester City in a crucial East Midlands derby.
Defensively, Forest have been outstanding, conceding just seven goals in the league—second-best in the division—showing a major improvement since Nuno’s early days in charge. Summer signing Nikola Milenkovic has been a rock at the back, adding much-needed leadership, and his presence has bolstered a defense that was often exposed in previous seasons.
Off the pitch, the club’s hierarchy has also been making key moves to elevate Forest to the next level.
Edu Joins Forest’s Ambitious Plans
This week, Arsenal’s Sporting Director Edu Gaspar announced his departure from the Gunners, confirming he will join Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ empire as CEO. Marinakis, who also owns Olympiacos and Rio Ave, is looking to expand further with a potential takeover of Brazilian side Vasco da Gama. Edu’s experience and connections, particularly in South America, could play a pivotal role in the club’s future, potentially boosting their recruitment strategy.
Edu’s previous success at Arsenal—helping to sign talents like Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli, and David Raya—suggests he could help Forest tap into the South American market, an area that has already proven fruitful for the Reds. One standout example is Brazilian centre-back Murillo, whose transfer now looks like a steal.
Murillo’s Impact at Forest
Murillo, signed from Corinthians for around £15m in the summer of 2023, was relatively unknown when he arrived but has quickly become a key player at the heart of Forest’s defense. The 22-year-old impressed immediately, establishing himself as a regular starter under both Steve Cooper and Nuno EspÃrito Santo, and ended his first season with 32 Premier League appearances. While he didn’t score, Murillo came close with some brilliant efforts, and his ability to play out from the back and make crucial tackles has made him one of the club’s most valuable assets.
His excellent performances last season earned him the club’s Player of the Season award and attracted interest from top clubs such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. Despite the summer speculation, Murillo stayed at the City Ground and has continued to impress alongside Milenkovic in the heart of defense this season.
The Curious Case of Emmanuel Dennis
Despite the improvements made to Forest’s squad, one player remains a major disappointment: Emmanuel Dennis. Signed for £20m in the summer of 2022 to strengthen Forest’s attack, Dennis has failed to live up to expectations. After a promising spell at Watford, where he scored 10 Premier League goals, his move to Forest has been a letdown. In his first season at Forest, he managed just two goals in 25 appearances, failing to make a significant impact.
Dennis spent last season on loan at Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir and his former club Watford. Upon returning to Forest, he has found himself out of Nuno’s plans and is now languishing in the reserves. Yet, despite not featuring, the 26-year-old is still earning a reported £40k per week—a higher salary than Murillo, who at £30k per week has been one of the club’s standout performers.
A Key Task for New CEO Edu
As Forest’s new CEO, Edu has a big task ahead. His first priority should be offloading Dennis, whose high wages are now a burden on the club’s finances, especially considering his lack of contributions on the pitch. If Edu can move Dennis on and free up those wages, it would be a significant step in ensuring the club’s continued progress both on and off the field.
In the meantime, Forest fans will hope that Edu’s influence, combined with the team’s impressive performances, will help propel the club into the top half of the Premier League and beyond.
