Sources: Nottingham Forest could hand ‘unplayable’ star new contract amid exit links
Nottingham Forest Poised to Offer Morgan Gibbs-White New Contract if He Remains Beyond Transfer Window
Nottingham Forest are reportedly prepared to reward Morgan Gibbs-White with a fresh contract if the influential midfielder remains at the City Ground beyond the summer transfer window, sources close to GIVEMESPORT have revealed.
The Midlands club enjoyed an exceptional 2024/25 campaign under the guidance of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, narrowly missing out on a historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Forest’s top-four hopes were dashed on the final day of the Premier League season following a heart-breaking defeat to Chelsea, ultimately finishing in a very respectable seventh position. Despite the setback, their impressive league finish has secured them a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.
With European football returning to the City Ground, Forest are determined to retain their top talent and build on last season’s success. The club hierarchy remains optimistic about keeping their key players, even amid increasing interest from Premier League giants and continental heavyweights.
Gibbs-White Contract Talks Dependent on Transfer Outcome
One of those players, Morgan Gibbs-White, is considered pivotal to Forest’s future. The 25-year-old club captain has been nothing short of sensational over the past couple of seasons and was once described by pundits as “truly unplayable” due to his creativity, dynamism, and leadership on the pitch.
Earlier this summer, Gibbs-White attracted serious interest from reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side identified the England international as a possible signing to bolster their attacking midfield options. However, negotiations eventually stalled, and City turned their attention to alternative targets, ultimately signing French star Rayan Cherki from Lyon after growing impatient with the lack of movement on the Gibbs-White front.
With City no longer pursuing the former Wolves academy graduate, speculation surrounding his future has cooled. Nonetheless, GIVEMESPORT sources indicate that Gibbs-White is still being monitored by a number of clubs, although the likelihood of a transfer has significantly decreased in recent weeks. The prevailing sentiment now suggests a much greater chance that the midfielder will remain in Nottingham heading into the new season.
Should he remain a Forest player once the window closes, the club are expected to begin negotiations over a new and improved contract. Although Gibbs-White’s current deal runs until 2027, Forest are prepared to extend and enhance his terms to reflect his importance to the squad and fend off any renewed interest in the future.
World Cup Ambitions Could Influence Decision
One factor likely to influence Gibbs-White’s decisions this season is his ambition to secure a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. With former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel now at the helm of the national team, Gibbs-White knows that consistent performances and regular game time at the top level will be essential in catching the manager’s eye. Any potential move away from Forest would need to guarantee both, something the player is reportedly weighing very carefully.
Elanga Also Attracting Interest, Forest Stand Firm
Gibbs-White isn’t the only Forest star generating attention in the transfer market. Swedish winger Anthony Elanga is also drawing significant interest from several Premier League clubs. Newcastle United have already submitted an offer for the former Manchester United man, but it was swiftly rejected by Forest, who value the 22-year-old at approximately £60 million.
Despite the sizable valuation and growing attention, Forest have made it clear they do not intend to part ways with Elanga either, as the club prepares for the challenges of competing on both domestic and European fronts.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo, fresh off being rewarded with a new long-term contract, is eager to build on last season’s momentum. He sees retaining both Gibbs-White and Elanga as critical to continuing the club’s upward trajectory and making a serious mark in Europe during the 2025/26 campaign.
With preseason fast approaching and transfer activity heating up, Nottingham Forest find themselves in a strong position — one where they’re not only fending off interest in their top talents but also preparing to reward loyalty and performance with long-term commitment and ambition.