Morgan Gibbs-White Nottingham Forest Premier League

Gibbs-White’s Tottenham Move in Limbo

Jul 16, 2025 — 4 min read
Gibbs-White’s Tottenham Move in Limbo
Morgan Gibbs-White

Tottenham Hotspur triggered Gibbs-White’s £60 million release clause, a figure embedded in his contract when he joined from Wolves in 2022 for an initial £25 million, with potential add-ons of £17 million. However, the deal has hit a significant roadblock, with Forest accusing Spurs of an illegal approach to the player, prompting the club to halt negotiations and consult legal advisors. According to The Daily Mail, Forest have formally contacted Tottenham and the Premier League, expressing frustration over the alleged unauthorized contact, which they believe breaches transfer regulations.

Gibbs-White's Importance

Gibbs-White’s value to Forest is undeniable. In the 2024-2025 Premier League season, he scored 7 goals and provided 10 assists across 34 appearances, amassing 2,824 minutes. His creativity and leadership on the pitch, coupled with four England caps, have made him a prime target for clubs like Tottenham, who are looking to bolster their midfield under new manager Thomas Frank. However, Forest’s determination to retain him stems from their belief that his market value now exceeds the £60 million release clause, especially after his pivotal role in their European qualification. Efforts to renegotiate his contract and remove or adjust the clause have stalled, with Sky Sports reporting that Gibbs-White has declined new contract talks for nearly a year, fueling speculation about his desire to move.

The situation escalated when Forest posted an Instagram image of Gibbs-White training with teammates, a move interpreted as a public statement of intent to keep him. Despite this, Football Insider suggests Tottenham remain confident of securing the deal, as the activated release clause gives Gibbs-White grounds to force a move. The ongoing legal dispute may delay proceedings, but Spurs’ persistence, backed by their recent signings like Mohammed Kudus for £55 million, indicates their determination to land the England international.

Forest’s Transfer Strategy: Replacements and Reinforcements

With Elanga gone and Gibbs-White’s future uncertain, Forest are actively seeking replacements to bolster their squad for the Europa Conference League campaign. The club has identified several targets to fill the void left by Elanga, including PSV’s Johan Bakayoko, though competition for the winger is fierce. Nottinghamshire Live also reports interest in Liverpool youngster Ben Doak as a potential replacement, leveraging his pace and potential to replicate Elanga’s impact.

For Gibbs-White, Forest are eyeing Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder with similar dribbling capabilities, though his end product requires development. Additionally, a £30 million move for Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey and interest in Lyon’s Thiago Almada suggest Forest are preparing for the possibility of Gibbs-White’s departure. Football Insider notes that a move for El Khannouss could signal Forest’s resignation to losing their star midfielder, while The Mirror indicates Ramsey could step into Gibbs-White’s role.

Forest’s transfer activity also includes securing new deals for Neco Williams and Ola Aina, moves seen as crucial to maintaining squad stability. However, the club still needs to offload fringe players and make additional signings to ensure head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has a robust squad for the European challenge ahead. Nottinghamshire Live emphasizes the importance of these moves, noting that Forest’s summer window is pivotal for their ambitions.

Fan and Pundit Reactions

The potential loss of both Elanga and Gibbs-White has sparked significant unrest among Forest fans. Fans like Steven and Max, quoted by BBC Sport, expressed despair, with Max warning, “It feels like this is the beginning of the end. Losing Elanga, and now losing Gibbs-White. I hope I am wrong, but I think we could be back in the Championship in a few years.”

Pundit Stan Collymore, a former Forest player, weighed in via Nottinghamshire Live, praising the club’s role in reviving the careers of both Elanga and Gibbs-White but urging Forest to ensure future contracts avoid similar vulnerabilities, such as low release clauses. He emphasized the need for adequate compensation to reinvest in the squad, highlighting the £115 million combined fee from Elanga and a potential Gibbs-White transfer as a financial boost, albeit at the cost of two key players.

The Road Ahead

Nottingham Forest’s summer transfer window is at a crossroads. The club’s determination to retain Gibbs-White, coupled with their legal action against Tottenham, reflects their ambition to remain competitive in the Premier League and Europe. However, the loss of Elanga and the potential departure of Gibbs-White pose significant challenges. The £115 million generated from these transfers could fund a squad rebuild, but the immediate impact on team morale and playing style is a concern.As Forest explore replacements like El Khannouss, Ramsey, and Bakayoko, their ability to integrate new talent while maintaining their counter-attacking identity will be critical. The ongoing legal dispute with Tottenham adds further complexity, with the Premier League yet to weigh in on Forest’s complaint. For now, Gibbs-White’s return to training and Forest’s proactive transfer moves suggest a club fighting to preserve its momentum, but the outcome of this saga will shape their season and beyond.

Published by
Louis Lenehan
Louis Lenehan
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