Morgan Gibbs-White to tell Nottingham Forest I’m now leaving’ after Tottenham bid
Morgan Gibbs-White’s potential transfer to Tottenham Hotspur has reached a delicate and decisive stage. Despite Tottenham’s initial move to activate his release clause, the deal has not progressed, and the spotlight has now shifted to the player himself.
The midfielder, currently with Nottingham Forest, finds himself in a situation where his personal decision will ultimately determine the direction of his future.
While Tottenham made a £60 million offer—triggering what they believed to be a buyout clause—nothing has materialized since, and it’s become increasingly clear that the situation has reached a deadlock.
At the heart of this standoff lies a legal and contractual nuance. While Tottenham may have acted in accordance with information suggesting a release clause existed, they lack the authority to enforce the transfer on their own.
The power now resides with Gibbs-White, who must make a definitive move if he truly wishes to make the switch to north London.
Legal experts have noted that because the contract is between Gibbs-White and Nottingham Forest, only the player himself can assert that the clause has been triggered and formally declare his intention to leave.
In essence, if he wants the move to happen, he must personally inform the club that he is now departing.
The delay has prompted speculation over whether Gibbs-White has reservations or is perhaps weighing his options as other interested clubs monitor the situation.
His silence has left Forest uncertain, especially as they reportedly seek to renegotiate his contract in an effort to retain him. Yet, the midfielder has shown no signs of engagement in these talks, signaling that he might indeed favor a change.
His next step, however, remains critical—without his formal request to leave, the transfer cannot proceed, even with Spurs willing to meet the valuation.
What further complicates matters is the revelation that Tottenham might consider adding £5 to £10 million to the original offer to ensure the deal crosses the finish line.
Their urgency stems not only from a desire to secure the player’s signature but also from the looming threat of rival clubs entering the race.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City have shown interest in Gibbs-White, although City’s recent acquisition of Rayan Cherki may have cooled their pursuit.
Nevertheless, with the resurgence of the traditional number ten role, players like Gibbs-White are in high demand, and any hesitation from Spurs could open the door for another club to hijack the deal.
Tottenham’s interest in the 25-year-old is part of a broader strategy to bolster their creative midfield options, and Gibbs-White is viewed as an ideal fit.
His performances for Nottingham Forest have showcased his technical ability, work rate, and eye for goal—traits that align well with Ange Postecoglou’s tactical setup.
But all of Tottenham’s planning will be in vain unless the player makes his move. The current impasse has less to do with financial negotiation and more to do with personal intent.
If Gibbs-White truly sees himself in a Tottenham shirt next season, it’s up to him to say so—and say it now.