Morgan Gibbs-White signs new Forest deal, crushing Tottenham hopes | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest have confirmed that Morgan Gibbs-White has signed a new long-term contract, securing his future at the City Ground until the summer of 2028.

The club described the agreement on their official X account as “a statement of intent,” underlining owner Evangelos Marinakis’ determination to keep key players despite strong external interest.

This announcement brings a firm conclusion to a transfer saga that dominated much of the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur had attempted to activate a £60 million release clause earlier in the window, aiming to make the 25-year-old a centrepiece of their midfield rebuild under Thomas Frank.

Forest resisted those efforts and were reported to have raised concerns over the way Spurs became aware of confidential details in Gibbs-White’s contract. At one stage, sources close to the club suggested they considered potential legal action over what they felt was an improper approach.

With negotiations now resolved, Forest have strengthened their long-term squad plans. The new contract reportedly removes any release clause, meaning any future exit would be fully on their terms.

Gibbs-White has been central to Forest’s progress since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022. He registered seven goals and 10 assists last season as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side secured a seventh-place Premier League finish.

He has made 118 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals and providing 28 assists. Those contributions earned him a first England call-up under interim boss Lee Carsley last September, and he has since been capped four times.

Forest’s decision to act decisively reflects both their ambition and their financial backing. Marinakis’ presence at the club’s training camp in Portugal last week was viewed as pivotal in convincing the player to remain.

The timing of the deal also benefits the team’s preparation for the new season. Gibbs-White featured in Forest’s pre-season draw against Monaco and is expected to play a major role as they continue their summer schedule.

For Tottenham, the outcome marks a setback in their recruitment plans. The north London club had targeted Gibbs-White as a key creative option but must now turn to alternative targets.

Forest supporters, meanwhile, will view the agreement as a significant statement ahead of the new campaign.