Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Gibbs-White to 'throw Nottingham Forest tantrum' amid Maddison blow at Tottenham

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Morgan Gibbs-White may quickly regret his decision to extend his contract at Nottingham Forest this summer.

The 25-year-old has become one of the highest-earning players at the City Ground after putting pen to paper on a new deal despite Tottenham attempting to secure the playmaker's signature.

Football Insider revealed last month that Gibbs-White had set his heart on joining Tottenham, but supporters on both sides of the fence were shocked to see his U-turn, appearing in an announcement video with Evangelos Marinakis.

The Reds' promotion to the Europa League, and subsequently Crystal Palace's relegation, may have sweetened the pot for the England international, but questions are already being raised over how long Forest can keep up their current form.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Tottenham
Tottenham attempted to sign Morgan Gibbs-White. (Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Tottenham handed major injury blow in pre-season

Thomas Tuchel has made a point of selecting players for the England national team who are regularly featuring in Europe and at the very top end of their respective leagues.

Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarrod Bowen, and Elliot Anderson were missing from the German's initial squad last time out despite their form in the Premier League, and Morgan Gibbs-White may have the same fear.

A move to North London would likely help his chances of a spot at the 2026 World Cup, but having now signed a new deal at the City Ground, he may need to try dirty tactics to force a move away now.

The main reason why he might be feeling frustrated is that the Lilywhites have confirmed the long-term injury to James Maddison, who picked up an ACL injury in their friendly against Newcastle United.

Morgan Gibbs-White to regret Nottingham Forest stay

Playing in a very similar position to the 28-year-old, Gibbs-White would have slotted straight into the lineup under Thomas Frank, giving him every opportunity to prove himself to the England coach.

The Forest man may feel that his decisions this year could have a lasting impact on his overall career, especially having given up on a major move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He notched seven goals and eight assists across all competitions last term, leading the Reds to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, but business has been slow at the City Ground.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest
Morgan Gibbs-White's stats in the 2024/25 season. (Credit: Getty Images)

While Igor Jesus and Dan Ndoye appear to be sensible purchases, there have been no standout signings from Forest as of yet, and fans are concerned for Nuno Espirito Santo's chances next season.

There was a chance for Gibbs-White to escape before the ship potentially began sinking, but Marinakis put the barriers up and threatened legal action due to Spurs' approach for the player.

That opportunity may not emerge again, at least not now with the £60million release clause removed from his contract, but Spurs have money to splash, and Gibbs-White could force Forest's hand if he wanted to.

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