Aston Villa Plan Major £65m Move As Future Of Talismanic Star Remains Uncertain: The Right Move? | OneFootball

Aston Villa are prepping a significant move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White. This move hinges on whether they lose their own breakout talent, Morgan Rogers, in the upcoming summer window. Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke broke the news on the Transfer Insider podcast, noting that Aston Villa see the Forest playmaker as the perfect replacement if a big-club bidder hits Rogers’ £100 million price tag.

Unai Emery definitely wants to keep Rogers, but with elite European sides circling, the club have built a backup plan. O’Rourke suggests a move away from the City Ground is inevitable for Gibbs-White if Nottingham Forest suffer relegation, especially since the midfielder has no interest in playing Championship football again.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, he explained: “Yeah, it’s gonna be an interesting one with regards to Morgan Gibbs-White’s long-term future.

“If Nottingham Forest were to go down, it would be inevitable, I think that he would move on, as I don’t imagine he will want to play in the Championship.

“He came very close to a move away from the City Ground last summer when Tottenham triggered his release clause, but eventually he ended up signing a new deal.

“Although Forrest won’t want to lose him, I’m sure they’ll probably be expecting interest in him.

“There’s been potential talk that Villa could be interested in Gibbs White, especially if they were to lose somebody like Morgan Rogers.

“He isn’t going to be short of options, Morgan Gibbs-White, if he decides to leave Forest. There will be a number of Premier League clubs who will be interested in the former Wolves man.” 

A battle of the creative engines

Right now, both players are at major turning points in their careers. Morgan Gibbs-White is 26 and already a senior leader for Forest and a regular for England. On the flip side, 23-year-old Morgan Rogers has had a whirlwind rise at Villa Park. He has evolved from a developmental prospect into a genuine match-winner under Emery’s coaching.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest reacts during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers at City Ground on February 11, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)

Looking at the numbers, this 2025/26 season shows what makes them both special. As of February 13, 2026, Rogers tops Villa’s scoring charts with 8 goals and 5 assists in 26 games. He uses his massive frame and surprising pace to bully defenders. Gibbs-White has been just as influential for Forest, bagging 6 goals and 2 assists while keeping a tidy 84% pass completion rate. Rogers is at his best when he charges forward during transitions. Gibbs-White operates as a technical conductor who controls the rhythm of the game.

Smart planning means Aston Villa must stay ready for anything. Targeting Gibbs-White represents a solid insurance policy. If a team pay that massive release clause for Rogers, grabbing a proven Premier League creator for about £65 million lets Villa reinvest that profit without losing their edge.

The strategy is sound. Gibbs-White is versatile enough to fit several spots in Emery’s setup. He brings the top-flight experience and set-piece quality that could strengthen Aston Villa’s attack, even if they lose the raw power Rogers brings to the table.