Manchester City have sent shockwaves through the Premier League with a sensational move to secure the signature of Nottingham Forest’s dynamic attacking midfielder, Morgan Gibbs-White, in a deal reportedly worth £70 million. The transfer, shrouded in secrecy until its final stages, marks a bold statement from Pep Guardiola’s side as they continue to reshape their squad for another title-chasing season. With personal terms already agreed, the 25-year-old England international is poised to join the Etihad Stadium ranks, adding flair and creativity to an already formidable lineup.
Gibbs-White, who became Nottingham Forest’s record signing in 2022 for an initial £25 million (potentially rising to £42.5 million with add-ons), has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents. His journey from Wolverhampton Wanderers to the City Ground has been one of relentless growth, culminating in a stellar 2024/25 season where he notched seven goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League matches. His pivotal role in guiding Forest to Europa Conference League qualification, often wearing the captain’s armband, has not gone unnoticed. “He’s got the ability, he’s got the ability,” said Manchester City’s Kyle Walker on his podcast, reflecting on Gibbs-White’s meteoric rise from his days at Sheffield United to earning two England caps. “For a player that I watched at Sheffield United to, kind of, be cast aside from Wolves, to then go to Forest and then do what he’s done, break into the England team… he’s got all the ability.”
The transfer saga began quietly, with City’s negotiations conducted behind closed doors to avoid alerting rival clubs. Sources indicate that Guardiola identified Gibbs-White as a priority target to bolster the midfield, especially with the departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne looming as his contract nears its end. The 25-year-old’s versatility, thriving in a Forest side with just 39.8% possession, makes him an intriguing fit for City’s possession-heavy style. His ability to create chaos and deliver in clutch moments—evidenced by his 17 goal involvements last season—has Guardiola convinced he can adapt to the champions’ system. City’s pursuit reportedly intensified after they moved away from interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, opting instead for Gibbs-White’s proven Premier League pedigree.
The deal, valued at £70 million (approximately €81 million), underscores City’s ambition to maintain their dominance in English football. Forest, aware of their star’s rising stock, initially held firm, with some valuations reaching as high as £100 million. However, City’s persistence and Gibbs-White’s keenness to join the Etihad project paved the way for an agreement. “Manchester City plan to advance on Morgan Gibbs-White deal in the next weeks as he remains one of the priority targets,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted on social media, highlighting the club’s determination to finalize the move. While no issues are expected on personal terms, negotiations with Forest required delicate handling, given their reluctance to lose a player integral to their European aspirations.
Gibbs-White’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for Manchester City, who have been active in the transfer market this summer. The club recently secured centre-backs Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov, as well as striker Omar Marmoush, in deals totaling approximately £186 million alongside a potential move for Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso. Additionally, Erling Haaland’s nine-and-a-half-year contract extension, complete with a high-value release clause valid from 2029, signals City’s long-term vision. Gibbs-White’s signing, however, could prove the most transformative, filling the creative void left by De Bruyne’s eventual exit. His knack for unlocking defenses and leading counter-attacks aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical evolution.
For Nottingham Forest, losing Gibbs-White is a bitter pill, compounded by the potential departure of winger Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United for £55 million. The double exit could disrupt their momentum, but the substantial transfer fees will provide manager Nuno Espirito Santo with funds to rebuild. City, meanwhile, are not done yet. Reports suggest they’ve been contacted by the agents of a Real Madrid star and are in talks for an Inter Milan Champions League finalist, indicating further blockbuster moves could be on the horizon.
As the Premier League season approaches, Gibbs-White’s move to Manchester City promises to reshape the title race. His blend of youth, experience, and attacking flair makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s relentless pursuit of silverware. With the Etihad faithful buzzing, the stage is set for Gibbs-White to make his mark among football’s elite.
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