Spurs preparing move for “remarkable” £17m star, he’s a bigger star than Gibbs-White
What began as a straightforward £60 million pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White has transformed into one of the summer’s most peculiar transfer sagas.
Tottenham Hotspur believed they had triggered the Nottingham Forest playmaker’s release clause, only for the deal to collapse spectacularly when Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis intervened.
The Greek businessman not only blocked the move but orchestrated a record-breaking new contract for Gibbs-White, removing any future release clauses from the equation.
While missing out on the English midfielder represents a blow for manager Thomas Frank, Spurs have demonstrated characteristic resilience in the transfer market.
Their attention has swiftly shifted to alternative targets, with Manchester City’s James McAtee emerging as a potential option.
However, with Forest already having a £25 million bid rejected and City holding out for £40 million, Tottenham appear to be exploring a more economical solution – Stuttgart’s Enzo Millot.
The 23-year-old Frenchman presents an intriguing proposition. Available for just £17 million due to a release clause in his contract, Millot offers Bundesliga-proven quality at a fraction of Gibbs-White’s valuation.
What makes this potential deal particularly compelling is how Millot’s statistical profile compares favorably to Tottenham’s original target.
During the 2024/25 campaign, Millot demonstrated superior efficiency in several key metrics despite playing fewer minutes.
His 0.54 goal contributions per 90 minutes edged Gibbs-White’s 0.48, while his 40% shot accuracy and 85% pass completion rate both surpassed the Englishman’s figures.
Perhaps most tellingly, Millot showed greater penetration in advanced areas, completing more carries into the opposition box and demonstrating a higher success rate in take-ons.
These numbers take on added significance when considering Millot’s performances in the Champions League, where he contributed to five goals in just eight appearances.
Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth’s description of the midfielder as “remarkable” appears well-founded, with the young Frenchman showing he can thrive against elite opposition.
The financial aspect of this potential deal makes it particularly appealing. At £17 million, Millot would represent exceptional value compared to the £60 million outlay required for Gibbs-White.
This price differential could allow Tottenham to strengthen other areas of their squad, providing Frank with greater flexibility in the transfer market.
While Gibbs-White’s Premier League experience and creative output (15 goal contributions last season) made him an attractive target, Millot’s combination of technical quality, progressive passing, and economical price tag presents a compelling alternative.
His ability to operate in tight spaces and drive the ball forward aligns well with Frank’s preferred style of play, potentially making him a better tactical fit than the Forest midfielder.
As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, Tottenham find themselves at a crossroads. The Gibbs-White disappointment could ultimately prove fortuitous if it leads them to secure Millot’s signature.
In the constantly evolving landscape of modern football, sometimes the best deals are the ones you don’t make – and this may well be a case where Tottenham’s second-choice option turns out to be their smartest move of the summer.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Millot becomes the latest shrewd acquisition in Spurs’ ongoing squad rebuild.
What’s certain is that at £17 million, the French midfielder represents the sort of value-for-money opportunity that could give Tottenham the edge in an increasingly competitive Premier League landscape.