After missing Out, Tottenham set to finalize £60M deal before January transfer window
The summer transfer window may have just closed, but the planning for the next one has already begun for many top clubs.
For Tottenham Hotspur, one story from the recent window seems to have an unfinished feeling to it, and all signs point to it resuming when the market reopens in January.
Despite the exciting late arrival of Dutch international Xavi Simons, the club is reportedly ready to renew its efforts to sign a primary target they missed out on: Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White.
This summer was a rollercoaster for Spurs in the transfer market. They experienced the frustration of seeing a key target, Eberechi Eze, snatched away by their North London rivals, Arsenal.
This made the successful signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig all the more important. Manager Thomas Frank has been full of praise for his new playmaker, highlighting the unique qualities he brings to the team.
Frank pointed out that Simons possesses that special ability to create something magical out of nothing—a moment of individual brilliance that can unlock a stubborn defense with a clever pass, a surging run, or a precise shot.
However, the reality is that Simons was not the club’s first choice. Earlier in the window, Tottenham had actually agreed on a deal to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.
The move, valued at around £60 million, seemed to be progressing well before it suddenly collapsed. The England international ultimately decided to sign a new contract with Forest, leaving Spurs to pivot to their alternative option.
But according to the latest reports, this is not the end of the pursuit. Tottenham are expected to make a fresh approach for Gibbs-White in the January window.
It is believed the player himself is set to reconsider his options this winter, a decision that will undoubtedly alert several other Premier League clubs.
Aston Villa, West Ham United, and Newcastle United are all said to be keeping a close watch on the situation, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.
Securing his signature would be a surprising and dramatic twist after the summer’s events. The original deal fell apart under a cloud of controversy, with reports suggesting there was some tension over how Tottenham became aware of a release clause in his contract at the time.
This likely means relations between Spurs and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis are not at their best, which could complicate any future negotiations.
Furthermore, a move for Gibbs-White would raise questions about the team’s tactical setup. He operates in the same advanced playmaking role as the newly arrived Xavi Simons.
Whether Spurs would pursue another player in the same position likely depends on how quickly Simons adapts to the physicality and pace of the Premier League.
While his talent is undeniable, some analysts have noted he may need time to adjust and could work on improving his weaker foot.
For Tottenham, the attraction to Gibbs-White is clear. Described as an “incredible” talent by pundits, he is a dynamic, English-born midfielder who knows the league inside out and has been the creative heartbeat for Nottingham Forest.
His energy, vision, and goal contributions would be a valuable asset to any top-half team. While it would be a surprise given the summer’s drama, the January transfer window is famous for its surprises.
Tottenham’s interest suggests they see him as a missing piece of the puzzle, and they appear willing to navigate the complicated negotiations to finally get their man.