Nottingham Forest Owner Eyes Man City Move for Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is making headlines as he strongly prefers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White to join Manchester City rather than Tottenham Hotspur this summer. This stance follows a controversial bid from Tottenham, which sparked frustration and even legal action from the Forest camp.

Why Nottingham Forest Owner Prefers a Manchester City Switch

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis sees Manchester City as the ideal destination for Morgan Gibbs-White if the player departs the City Ground in the upcoming transfer window. The primary focus for Marinakis is ensuring that Gibbs-White’s talent is recognized at a top Premier League club, but not one viewed as a direct rival in the battle for mid-table supremacy—something Tottenham represents more than City.

Earlier this month, Tottenham Hotspur activated Gibbs-White’s £60 million release clause, a move that immediately triggered tension between the clubs. Nottingham Forest quickly accused Spurs of making an “illegal approach” for the talented midfielder, and subsequently filed a legal complaint. This episode soured relations between the two clubs and led Marinakis to push for a transfer to a different Premier League giant.

Legal Dispute Over Tottenham’s Bid

The legal dispute began when Forest believed Tottenham bypassed proper channels in their pursuit of Gibbs-White. According to sources close to the club, Marinakis was “furious” at what he considered a clear breach of protocol. Nottingham Forest’s management felt that Spurs attempted an underhanded approach, undermining the integrity of the Premier League transfer process. This reaction has effectively stalled any negotiations between Forest and Tottenham, as Forest’s legal team continues to pursue action.

Man City’s Stance on Gibbs-White Transfer

Despite Marinakis’s preference, Manchester City has shown little sign of entering the race for Gibbs-White. Pep Guardiola’s side currently boasts a wealth of midfield options and sees no urgent need to strengthen in that position—at least for now. However, Marinakis believes that a player of Gibbs-White’s ability would thrive at the Etihad, especially under Guardiola’s tutelage.

Forest’s owner has made no secret that if Gibbs-White is to leave, a move to Manchester City would be preferable both in terms of prestige and the likelihood of regular Champions League football. The club feels this could further boost the 24-year-old’s development and international prospects, while also avoiding strengthening a Premier League rival like Tottenham.

Gibbs-White’s Importance to Nottingham Forest

Morgan Gibbs-White has been central to Nottingham Forest’s midfield since arriving from Wolves in 2022. His vision, energy, and creativity have made him a key figure in Forest’s fight to establish themselves in the Premier League. Losing him would be a significant blow, but the club is determined to ensure that any departure is handled on their terms.

Gibbs-White’s performances have attracted interest from several top-flight clubs, but Forest’s priority remains to secure the best possible outcome for both player and club. With his release clause now public, the summer transfer window could see more suitors enter the fray, but Marinakis’s firm stance signals that Forest will not be bullied in negotiations.

Impact of the Transfer Saga on Nottingham Forest

The ongoing saga has unsettled parts of the Forest fanbase, with concerns about losing such a pivotal player. At the same time, fans have applauded Marinakis’s determination to uphold the club’s values and avoid hasty deals that could undermine their position in the league. This situation also serves as a reminder of how transfer negotiations can become complex, especially when rivalries and legal threats enter the picture.

While Manchester City remains an unlikely destination for Gibbs-White at present, the episode highlights Marinakis’s ambition for Nottingham Forest to deal only with clubs that respect the process and acknowledge the value of their assets.

What’s Next for Gibbs-White and Forest?

With the transfer window heating up, all eyes are on how the situation will resolve. Tottenham’s involvement appears to be cooling off as the legal dispute continues, and unless Manchester City unexpectedly enters the race, Gibbs-White could yet remain at Forest—at least for one more season. The club’s stance is clear: they won’t succumb to pressure or accept unfavorable terms.

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Opinion: Marinakis Sets a Strong Example for Club Owners

Evangelos Marinakis’s handling of the Morgan Gibbs-White transfer saga demonstrates the importance of integrity and strategic thinking in modern football. By standing firm against what he perceived as Tottenham’s questionable tactics, Marinakis protects Nottingham Forest’s interests and sets a precedent for how smaller clubs can assert themselves in the face of transfer market aggression. Even if Gibbs-White eventually leaves, Forest’s unwavering stance will be remembered as a bold defense of club values and fair play.