As Manchester City brace for a transformative summer, the departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne has cast a spotlight on their ambitious plans to rejuvenate an aging midfield. The 33-year-old Belgian, whose contract expires in June 2025, announced his exit in April, leaving a creative void after a decade of brilliance that delivered six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. With Pep Guardiola’s squad showing signs of wear—evidenced by their fifth-place standing in the 2024-25 season—City are targeting Nottingham Forest’s dynamic midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White as a priority signing. The 25-year-old England international, valued at a staggering £100 million by Forest, has emerged as the “ideal option” to inject energy and flair into City’s engine room, signaling a bold new chapter at the Etihad.
Gibbs-White has been a revelation for Forest, who are defying expectations with a third-place Premier League position and a push for Champions League qualification. His five goals and nine assists in 30 league appearances this season, coupled with his leadership as vice-captain, have drawn admiration from Guardiola, who reportedly made a beeline for him after City’s 2-0 FA Cup semifinal win over Forest on April 27, 2025. “When the first one hit the crossbar, I had a feeling it wasn’t our day,” Gibbs-White said after striking the woodwork twice in that match, showcasing his relentless drive despite the defeat. His ability to blend defensive tenacity with attacking incision—evidenced by 1.3 second-ball wins per game and incisive passes like the one that set up a 1-0 Forest win over City in March—makes him a natural fit for Guardiola’s demanding system.
City’s interest in Gibbs-White, which intensified after De Bruyne’s announcement, reflects a broader strategy to address midfield frailties. Veterans like Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, and Bernardo Silva, all in their 30s, have struggled with physicality, often being overrun in high-intensity matches. Gibbs-White’s athleticism, demonstrated in moments like powering past Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella to assist a goal last season, offers the box-to-box dynamism City crave. “Man 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 tweeted, noting that personal terms are unlikely to be an issue. However, prising him from Forest, who are under no financial pressure to sell and aim to tie him to a new contract, will be a challenge.
The pursuit of Gibbs-White is not without competition. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal have also been linked, drawn to his versatility and homegrown status, which helps meet Premier League squad requirements. Former England star Danny Murphy praised Gibbs-White’s adaptability but cautioned about the risks of joining City, citing Kalvin Phillips’ struggles after leaving Leeds. “Would he go? Probably, but you’ve got to ask the question… a year on the Champions League journey with Forest rather than being a bit-part at City,” Murphy said on talkSPORT. Yet, Gibbs-White’s close friendship with City’s Phil Foden, whose son Ronnie has Gibbs-White as a godfather, could ease his integration.
City’s new director of football, Hugo Viana, is spearheading the recruitment drive, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz also on the radar as a “dream acquisition.” However, Wirtz’s interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid makes Gibbs-White a more attainable target. Forest’s £100 million valuation, matching City’s record fee for Jack Grealish, underscores their resolve to keep their talisman, especially with a contract until 2027. “You cannot ever be relaxed… but Forest is a huge club, and I think the players enjoy being here,” Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said, emphasizing his desire to retain Gibbs-White.
As City navigate a season of transition, with recent signings like Nico Gonzalez showing promise, Gibbs-White represents a statement signing. His ability to lead Forest’s counterattacks and create chances from nowhere aligns with City’s need for a midfielder who can replicate De Bruyne’s relentless creativity. Whether Forest yield or hold firm, City’s pursuit of Gibbs-White underscores their determination to evolve, ensuring the post-De Bruyne era remains a golden one.
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