Tottenham given critical Gibbs-White update as initial signing deadline nears
Tottenham Hotspur Face Major Setback in Morgan Gibbs-White Transfer Saga Amid Legal Dispute with Nottingham Forest
Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of sealing a swift deal for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White have taken a significant and potentially decisive hit following new developments in what is quickly becoming one of the most contentious and high-profile transfer sagas of the summer window.
Over a week has now passed since Spurs reportedly activated Gibbs-White’s £60 million release clause, yet despite this contractual trigger, the proposed transfer remains mired in controversy and uncertainty. Nottingham Forest have pushed back strongly, accusing Tottenham of making an illegal approach for their club captain – a claim that has thrown the entire deal into serious doubt and ignited tensions between the two Premier League clubs.
Initially, it appeared Spurs were on course to complete a remarkable double signing. Following their confirmed acquisition of Ghanaian winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, attention immediately shifted to the anticipated arrival of Gibbs-White, seen as a marquee midfield reinforcement. However, the club now finds itself bogged down in a complex standoff with Forest, who are resisting the move despite the release clause being met.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who has played a central role for Forest and earned admiration for his leadership, featured in their recent pre-season friendly against AS Monaco. Substituted at halftime, Gibbs-White acknowledged the home fans with applause and made a heart gesture as he left the field—fueling speculation among supporters that it may have been a subtle farewell. Still, close observers have pointed out that such gestures are routine for the player, who frequently expresses his affection for Forest fans in similar ways.
Sources close to the player suggest that he has grown increasingly frustrated by the delay. Reports on Friday indicated that Gibbs-White had set a personal deadline of Monday for meaningful progress to be made on the transfer, especially as Forest are set to depart for a pre-season training camp in Portugal. Despite Tottenham’s belief that the deal remains alive and achievable, The Athletic now reports that the England international is expected to travel with the squad for their tour.
While in Portugal, Forest will play two pre-season fixtures: against Fulham on July 27 and Estoril Praia on July 30—matches Gibbs-White is now likely to participate in unless there is a dramatic breakthrough over the weekend.
Legal Wrangling and Public Criticism
Amid the impasse, speculation has grown around the possibility of Gibbs-White pursuing legal recourse. Some believe the midfielder may have grounds to challenge Forest’s actions, given that his release clause has reportedly been met. However, sources indicate the player is reluctant to escalate matters in such a way. Gibbs-White, who wears the armband and is highly respected at the club, is said to be determined to leave on good terms should a move materialize.
Still, the situation has sparked outrage in some quarters. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara delivered a scathing assessment of Forest’s handling of the matter during a recent interview, going so far as to suggest that Gibbs-White should take legal action against the club and refuse to train.
“Morgan Gibbs-White should go to the PFA, he should sue Nottingham Forest, and he should refuse to train,” O’Hara declared. “Forest are behaving disgracefully. There’s a release clause in his contract—£60 million. Everybody involved knows it’s there, and it was agreed upon by all parties when the contract was signed. If he’s now worth more, that’s irrelevant. They agreed to the clause. Tottenham activated it. That should be the end of the story.”
O’Hara was also critical of the notion that the clause could somehow be considered confidential, calling the suggestion “laughable.”
“It’s a release clause, not a state secret,” he said. “Agents talk, clubs inquire. This happens all the time. Forest’s stance is ridiculous. The player has every right to be transparent about his contract, and now they want to act like victims because someone found out? It’s embarrassing.”
Forest Ownership Under Fire
The finger of blame has been pointed squarely at Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who is being accused of obstructing the transfer despite contractual obligations. Critics argue that Forest are attempting to backtrack now that Gibbs-White’s value has risen—effectively trying to rewrite the terms of a deal they previously agreed to.
“This is all down to Marinakis,” O’Hara added. “They’re going to lose Gibbs-White anyway, and instead of handling it with dignity, they’re trying to make it messy. He’s been a great servant for Forest, and now they’re doing him dirty.”
Conclusion
With Forest’s pre-season tour looming and Monday’s informal deadline approaching, all eyes remain on the next move in this dramatic transfer story. Tottenham are eager to push the deal through, while Gibbs-White waits for clarity on his future. Whether the standoff is resolved through negotiation or escalates into a legal battle could define not only this transfer window but also how release clauses are interpreted and enforced in English football going forward.