Nottingham Forest News, Transfers, Opinion & Match Reports

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has risked the wrath of Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

It was claimed that Morgan Gibbs-White was set to move to Tottenham in early July, but Marinakis had other ideas.

Spurs briefed the media that they’d activated a £60 million release clause in Gibbs-White’s contract, but that wasn’t the complete story.

Levy tried to get Gibbs-White by paying £60 million over a prolonged period of time using a number of instalments, which didn’t match the terms of the release clause.

Subsequently, Marinakis handed Gibbs-White a new contract, much to the fury of the Spurs fans, with the Forest player signing a new deal with the Reds.

Now, Tottenham fans have been poking fun at Marinakis again, and in true ‘Spursy’ fashion, it’s completely backfired.

Morgan Gibbs-White situation has happened again at Tottenham

Tottenham moved their focus to Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace after their Gibbs-White setback and their fans had become a little bit cocky.

One fan jokingly said on X: “Thank you, Mr Marinakis. Without you, this doesn’t happen.”

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Alongside the picture on social media is a photoshopped image of Eze wearing a Tottenham shirt in anticipation of his supposed move to the club.

However, it’s happened again and after learning of an injury to Kai Havertz, Arsenal of all clubs are now going to pip their fierce rivals to the post when it comes to signing the Crystal Palace star.

A fee of £68 million looks to have been agreed and Eze will join the Gunners tomorrow after he’s played for Palace against Fredrikstad in the UEFA Conference League this evening.

It’s a serious blow to Tottenham’s transfer window, with Thomas Frank keen to bolster his attack following a serious injury sustained by James Maddison in pre-season.

Only this time, it has nothing to do with Mr Marinakis!

Forest have had a better transfer window than Tottenham

Although Forest are set to sign Douglas Luiz and make it eight new recruits for the summer, the Reds have been very savvy with their business.

Arguably, the best piece of business came when Marinakis tempted Gibbs-White to sign a new contract, and he was in brilliant form on Sunday against Brentford.

Spurs might have added Joao Paulinha and Mohammed Kudus, it’s fair to say that Forest’s business has been far more eye-catching this summer.

Arnaud Kalimuendo was linked with Tottenham before signing for Forest, whilst James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson are future talents.

Given the amount of flak that Tottenham fans have given Spurs over the Gibbs-White debacle, it’s hard not to find this situation with Eze completely hilarious.

Now, time is quickly running out for Spurs to bolster their ranks and appease new manager Thomas Frank before the transfer window closes.

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has committed his future to the football club, despite the best efforts of Tottenham Hotspur.

Evangelos Marinakis was fuming with Daniel Levy for trying to get around a £60 million release clause, with the Forest owner threatening legal action.

Marinakis hailed Gibbs-White after he agreed to extend his current deal by a year and help the Reds maintain his valuation and, crucially, remove any release clause.

Forest fans are naturally ecstatic about the new deal for Gibbs-White, and with Anthony Elanga being sold to Newcastle, this does lift the mood around the City Ground among the fans this summer.

Gabby Agbonlahor stunned by Morgan Gibbs-White decision

It would appear that not everybody is impressed with Gibbs-White’s commitment to the Forest cause.

Agbonlahor has expressed his bemusement at the decision made by the Forest number 10 and has suggested that he wanted to join Tottenham.

Clearly, Agbonlahor hasn’t kept up to date with the journalistic claims made in the aftermath of his new deal, with something not adding up for the former Aston Villa man.

He told TalkSPORT: “It was bizarre. I think it just seems a bit, the reason behind it, the release clause was leaked. I don’t understand it. If there is a release clause in a contract and then the player wants to go, I’m just baffled by it. I’m not being funny, but if you want to stay at a football club, you don’t sign a three-year contract, do you? You sign a five-year contract, don’t you? More. So that says to me that this time next year, he will probably be gone. I don’t see him there for the long term.

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“I think fans will be happy he’s staying because he’s one of their best players, but if I’m a Forest fan, I think it would leave a bad taste in my mouth. He doesn’t love Nottingham Forest, the medical was booked, which says to me that he did want to go.”

Gibbs-White is superb news for Forest fans

Agbonlahor is a little bit out of the loop here when it comes to the Gibbs-White stuff.

Forest star Gibbs-White would have joined Manchester City and although he’d have been willing to go to Tottenham, it was a club that he was never going to push to join.

It merely highlights how much respect Gibbs-White has for Forest and it’s superb news that he’s going to remain at the club for another season.

Agbonlahor says that Gibbs-White will only stay for another season as though that’s going to be news for the club’s supporters.

Nottingham Forest have been battling with the speculation surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White’s potential move to Tottenham, with the latest report providing significant clarity.

In what has been an extensive saga, Tottenham matched Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause, but Evangelos Marinakis was quick to dispute the North London club’s approach.

The dispute centred around how Tottenham came to know of the release clause, with Forest’s decision to halt communications with Tottenham a clear sign of the severity of Marinakis’ claims.

Amid the speculation, Gibbs-White joined up with the Forest squad in Portugal to continue pre-season training. It looked as if the Tottenham links were set to drag on, but the latest update has ended all the speculation in remarkable style.

Morgan Gibbs-White signs new Nottingham Forest contract

As the full-time whistle drew closer in Forest’s 3-1 pre-season defeat to Fulham, Gibbs-White was looking sharp after being introduced at half time.

The display showed glimpses of the Englishman back at his best, perhaps due to the major update on his future that was breaking while the game was being played.

Reported by Ornstein in The Athletic, Forest were in talks with their midfield talisman over a new contract at the club, in an attempt to put an end to the speculation surrounding his future at the club.

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Then, in a X post that will go down in Forest history, the club confirmed that Gibbs-White had indeed signed a “record deal” at the club, committing his future to the City Ground until 2028.

Marinakis was present to pose with his prized asset on the pitch at full-time in the Fulham game, gleaming with joy after pulling off the remarkable piece of business that will be a huge relief to everyone associated with the club.

A new Morgan Gibbs-White contract would be a huge relief

After Anthony Elanga’s transfer to Newcastle United, Forest were at risk of losing two of their most influential players in the same window, which would’ve been a shocking way to prepare for the return to European football.

Therefore, keeping hold of Gibbs-White will be a huge relief to Edu and the Forest recruitment staff, who can now funnel all of their efforts into finding a replacement for Elanga.

Espírito Santo will also be relieved as losing Gibbs-White would’ve meant a significant change to his tactical system, losing the crucial link between attack and midfield that was a successful method of attack last campaign.

Gibbs-White’s commitment to the club will have Reds fans ecstatic, boosting the confidence heading into the 25/26 season.

Nottingham Forest look to be fighting a losing battle when it comes to keeping Morgan Gibbs-White, with all indications pointing towards an eventual move to Tottenham.

To his credit, Gibbs-White has joined up with the squad in Portugal to continue pre-season training when he could’ve easily refused to take part to force a move through.

However, he remains likely to leave the City Ground this summer, with Nottingham Forest News revealing that Manchester City were put off returning for Gibbs-White due to his desire to make the switch to North London.

City may be in better shape than Spurs on paper, but a new report has indicated just why the Englishman is keen to ply his trade at The Lilywhites.

Why Morgan Gibbs-White is ‘excited about Tottenham move

Negotiations between the two clubs are in a tricky position right now, after Forest shut down communications with Spurs as the dispute over how they came to know about his £60m release clause continues.

For the player, though, agreeing to the Spurs move looks to have been a rather straightforward decision, with GIVEMESPORT providing information as to why Gibbs-White is so keen on the transfer.

The report said: “GMS sources have been informed that Gibbs-White, who played a crucial role in spearheading Nottingham Forest to European qualification during the 2024/25 campaign, wants to join Tottenham and is excited by the role put forward by Frank when the capital club initially tried to secure his services.

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“GMS sources have been told that Tottenham’s interest and plans for Gibbs-White turned his head and gave him a vision of something different compared to what would be on offer at Manchester City, resulting in him prioritising a transfer to north London as he aims to prove he deserves to be involved at the 2026 World Cup.”

Pep Guardiola is known for his squad rotation so perhaps Gibbs-White is right to prefer a move to a club where he is likely to play more consistently.

Specifically under Thomas Frank, too, it seems as if Spurs’ new manager has already tailored a role for Gibbs-White in his tactical set-up.

Tottenham have a perfect role ready for Morgan Gibbs-White

Given the dispute between the two clubs, Evangelos Marinakis wants Gibbs-White to sign for Man City over Spurs, but it’s easy to understand why the midfield talisman has been tempted by Frank’s tactical plans.

Spurs have played one friendly so far this pre-season in the Dane’s first outing in his new job, where he seemed to have created a role that already looks perfect for Gibbs-White.

Explained by The Athletic: “The Dane is still experimenting with the team’s shape but it appeared that they were in a 4-3-3 which sometimes morphed into a 4-2-4.

“For example, in the first half, Alfie Devine operated in an advanced central midfield role ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr but out of possession stepped up alongside striker Dominic Solanke.”

Gibbs-White has thrived under Nuno Espírito Santo in this advanced midfield role so there’s no reason why he couldn’t do the same for Spurs, with the additional chance to move alongside the striker on occasion giving him the chance to improve his goal tally.

There has just been a fresh development on Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White amid Tottenham Hotspur interest.

Nottingham Forest have blocked Morgan Gibbs-White’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur as they believe he was illegally approached.

There is a suggestion that Evangelos Marinakis is hoping Gibbs-White will join Manchester City over the North Londoners, as he feels that’s more his level.

But, Man City have cooled their interest in Gibbs-White, leaving Thomas Frank’s side as the only concrete suitors.

Morgan Gibbs-White joins back up with Nottingham Forest in Portugal

It was reported on Monday that Gibbs-White didn’t travel with Nottingham Forest to Portugal due to personal reasons.

The matter was completely ‘unrelated to football’ and now John Percy has confirmed that the Nottingham Forest captain flew in to camp last night.

The England international is back training with his teammates ahead of Forest’s next friendly against fellow Premier League side Fulham.

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That will take place on Saturday evening in Faro at SC Farense’s Estadio de Sao Luis.

Gibbs-White has been exemplary in training

A lot has been made about Gibbs-White’s desire to join Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it’s understood that since returning to Forest training, Gibbs-White’s attitude has been exemplary and there are no concerns about his reintegration to the group.

The 25-year-old does remain hopeful of a move to North London and it has been reported that Spurs are considering a second offer.

Indeed, that would exceed his release clause, making it hard for Marinakis and his chiefs to turn down knowing Gibbs-White is refusing to sign a new deal to remove it.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s Nottingham Forest future continues to dominate the headlines, with the latest update providing a potential boost for both Forest and Tottenham.

After Forest shut down communications with Tottenham over Gibbs-White, it became clear that there would be no quick solution to his future.

It’s been said that Gibbs-White has been positive in Forest training, but the potential of Champions League football at Spurs is still on the cards as the North London club have never left the picture.

However, reports suggest that Evangelos Marinakis doesn’t want to sell Gibbs-White to Spurs, making a fresh report covering Manchester City’s stance on signing the English talisman particularly crucial reading.

Manchester City’s stance on re-entering Morgan Gibbs-White race

Back in June, City had moved away from signing Gibbs-White to instead focus on other midfield targets, in what was a relief to all at the City Ground.

However, with Marinakis’ issues with Spurs ongoing, there was a suggestion that one solution could see Pep Guardiola’s side reignite their interest in the 25-year-old.

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, City are now content with the midfield options they have at their disposal.

The report said: “Manchester City have no plans to sign another midfielder this summer despite Morgan Gibbs-White being available for a reduced £60million fee.

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“The Blues held an interest in Gibbs-White towards the end of last season, but have since signed Rayan Cherki from Lyon for £31million and Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for £46.3million.

“Having completed those deals, they are happy with their midfield strength and are now focusing on exits. Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, and James McAtee are set to move on. There is also a chance that one of Nico Gonzalez or Ilkay Gundogan will depart.”

If Marinakis is truly intent on not negotiating with Spurs, this could be good news for the Forest squad as the chances of Gibbs-White remaining at the City Ground have increased.

However, Spurs will be celebrating the update too, as their chances of securing their top target are now one act away from seriously increasing.

Tottenham may need Morgan Gibbs-White to demand a move

Clearly, Daniel Levy is now alone at the front of the queue to sign Gibbs-White, but if Marinakis is to hold firm in his stance on dealing with Spurs, their position will remain meaningless.

Therefore, for Spurs to get their man, they are likely to need Gibbs-White to demand the transfer himself, a move that is hard even to predict the likelihood of.

On one hand, it was revealed that Gibbs-White had refused contract talks with Forest for a year to keep the release clause in play, but equally, the Englishman has handled himself professionally ever since the story initially broke, despite there being every opportunity to try and force the move through.

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis isn’t making many friends at Tottenham Hotspur as the Morgan Gibbs-White saga continues.

Marinakis halted communications with Tottenham after disputing the North London club’s approach for Gibbs-White, who was the subject of a £60m bid to leave the City Ground.

As the Forest squad get stuck into the pre-season training camp, Gibbs-White didn’t travel to Portugal to deal with a personal matter, but the sight of him not arriving with his teammates undoubtedly got Spurs fans talking.

However, with reports that Marinakis is hoping Manchester City will bid for Gibbs-White, Tottenham supporters have taken to social media to voice their anger at Marinakis’ comments.

City had been linked with Gibbs-White as the 24/25 season came to a close, but Pep Guardiola’s side prioritised other targets in a move that looked to end their interest in the Forest star.

However, perhaps Marinakis has heard otherwise, but regardless, Spurs fans were not happy about the Forest owner suggesting that their side wouldn’t be a big enough club for Gibbs-White to sign for.

One Spurs fan said: “Why the hell does he care so much as long as he gets paid?” While another added:

“This guy isn’t really creating a good advertisement for players to want to join Forest.”

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Another said: “Marinakis does not have the right to decide what’s best for MGW.” One more Spurs fan added: “Marinakis is one of the most dislikable men in the Prem.”

One Spurs fan said: “It’s getting extremely weird now I don’t even know why he’s got a problem with us,” with another saying: “Extremely weird behaviour from Marinakis.”

Tottenham have a short window to make Morgan Gibbs-White progress

With Gibbs-White still in the UK but expected to join up with the Forest squad in Portugal later this week, Daniel Levy and Tottenham must be seeing these next few days as crucial to the pursuit.

Gibbs-White has been positive in training since returning for pre-season and even started the game against Monaco on Saturday, so it seems unlikely that he won’t put his full effort and focus into the Portugal training camp.

Nottingham Forest have maintained the position that Morgan Gibbs-White’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur is off.

Morgan Gibbs-White was due to have a medical at Tottenham Hotspur last week, however, Forest believe he was illegally approached and have therefore put a halt to the £60m transfer.

As far as Nottingham Forest are concerned, it’s business as usual, despite some belief that Gibbs-White will still join Spurs, at some stage this summer.

Gibbs-White has returned to training and the social media team have been eager to share pictures of him smiling, interestingly.

Now, a fresh report has just emerged detailing how he has been acting around the training ground.

How Morgan Gibbs-White has acted in Nottingham Forest training

Forest are expected to have more clarity on the Gibbs-White situation by the end of next week, with the club considering an official complaint to the Premier League.

In the meantime, whilst he remains a Forest player, Gibbs-White has been showing up to training as normal.

In fact, according to the Daily Mail, the England international has ‘shown an exemplary attitude’, with no suggestion of down tooling at all.

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There is, of course, a scenario where he is forced to remain at the City Ground, so clearly he’s keen to maintain a good impression among his teammates and staff.

Gibbs-White did hold talks with club chiefs on Monday and remains hopeful of a move to the North Londoners.

Tottenham considering second offer for Gibbs-White

It’s understood that Tottenham are considering a second offer worth £65m to push through Gibbs-White’s transfer.

It’s not yet known whether that will tempt Forest into sanctioning his sale, but either way, the former Wolves playmaker isn’t refusing to pen a new contract as it stands.

For that reason, it’s probably best for all parties to finalise this transfer to ensure Nuno Espirito Santo has sufficient time to bring in a replacement.

Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss is on Espirito Santo’s radar, as is Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, so there are good options out there.

A telling week lies ahead for the East Midlanders, who are due to fly to Portugal for a pre-season camp.

Nottingham Forest are suddenly in a three-horse race to sign Yoane Wissa, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also looking at the Brentford striker.

Forest’s long-term interest in the 28-year-old is showing no signs of diminishing, but David Ornstein revealed Newcastle’s interest in Wissa to add pressure to the transfer chase.

Alongside Newcastle and Forest, Tottenham have shown interest in Wissa in a move that would make sense as his former manager, Thomas Frank, has taken the reins in North London.

Nottingham Forest News revealed that Wissa will be available for less than £40m so all three clubs would fancy their chances of agreeing a deal, but a new report has suggested that Wissa has a preference of his own.

Nottingham Forest target Yoane Wissa names his preferred move

After Forest had a £25m bid for Wissa rejected, it seemed as if the Reds were the most serious club in the race for the Brentford man, especially given that they had another bid rejected back in January.

However, the allure of Champions League football or reuniting with Frank always had the chance to turn Wissa’s head and according to talkSPORT, this looks to have been the case.

The report said: “Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford but his preferred option would be to join Thomas Frank at Tottenham.

“The 28-year-old is also wanted by Nottingham Forest, who had a bid for him instantly rejected last week. They also submitted a £25m offer for him in January which was turned down.”

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Alongside Morgan Gibbs-White’s proposed move to Spurs, losing Wissa to the North London club would be particularly tough for the Forest recruitment team to take.

However, it appears that Spurs could still miss out on Wissa as well, with Brentford’s willingness to sell the attacker hinging on another transfer deal.

Yoane Wissa could still remain at Brentford this summer

Forest fans were keen on signing Wissa this summer after a 19-goal Premier League season, but these goals, of course, make him valuable to Brentford.

Brentford could also lose Bryan Mbeumo as Manchester United attempt to sign Wissa’s strike partner, a deal that is said to play a major part in any negotiations surrounding Wissa.

The report continued: “Brentford’s willingness to part ways with Wissa could hinge on whether Manchester United seal the signing of Bryan Mbeumo, with the two clubs still haggling over his transfer fee.”

Given that United are showing no signs of backing down from negotiations for Mbeumo, that deal feels likely to be concluded, therefore making a deal for Wissa more difficult for Spurs.

Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White faces an uncertain future.

Morgan Gibbs-White was due to join Tottenham Hotspur with a medical booked last week, however, the transfer has hit a snag.

That’s because Nottingham Forest believe Gibbs-White was illegally approached by Spurs, so they’re considering a complaint to the Premier League.

In the meantime, Nottingham Forest are making plans for if the 25-year-old leaves, with Bilal El Khannouss on Nuno Espirito Santo’s radar.

Now, there has been a fresh update on the whole saga, with a timeline revealed on when it will be sorted.

Nottingham Forest learn timeline for Morgan Gibbs-White transfer saga

Ben Jacobs, speaking to GiveMeSport, has revealed that Nottingham Forest are preparing to offer Gibbs-White a new contract.

“No breakthrough yet, but they will in the next sort of few days or weeks, offer Gibbs-White a brand new deal once again, with improved terms, to see whether or not he will commit and at least stay for another year.”

Jacobs then explained that Forest and Tottenham Hotspur will have ‘more clarity’ on the potential transfer by the end of next week.

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“Tottenham still hoping they can get it over the line and that scenario doesn’t happen, and we should get a bit more clarity on the Gibbs-White situation by the latter part of next week, I’m told.”

Forest clearly preparing for Gibbs-White’s exit

Although there have been multiple reports that Forest are certain Gibbs-White’s transfer to Tottenham is off, they’re clearly preparing for it behind the scenes.

Forest are pushing hard to sign James McAtee from Manchester City and it’s understood the England under-21 international is open to joining.

Jacob Ramsey is also being targeted by Espirito Santo, with the Aston Villa playmaker valued at around £40m.

The 24-year-old is wanted by Everton, too, so there is competition for his signature.