Done Deal: Tottenham Agree £67m Deal for Morgan Gibbs-White – Forest Fume Over Release Clause Revelation
Tottenham Hotspur have struck a sensational deal with Nottingham Forest for the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White, with the final fee set to rise to £67 million including add-ons. The move has caused significant tension behind the scenes at Forest, who are reportedly furious over Spurs’ discovery of a £60 million release clause embedded in the player’s contract.
Gibbs-White, 24, has now informed Nottingham Forest of his desire to leave the club, effectively paving the way for the transfer. The England international is expected to join up with his prospective new Spurs teammates in Portugal during pre-season, where he will undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.
Spurs Land Their Man
After weeks of speculation linking Gibbs-White with a move to north London, Tottenham have finally sealed the deal. The attacking midfielder has long been admired by head coach Ange Postecoglou for his technical quality, pressing intensity, and versatility in the final third.
While Forest had initially hoped to hold on to their star man, Tottenham’s knowledge of the £60 million release clause changed the tone of negotiations rapidly. Once Gibbs-White expressed his desire to leave, Forest were left with little choice but to negotiate terms and maximise value through add-ons.
The agreed structure of the deal will see Tottenham pay an initial £60 million, with a further £7 million in potential bonuses linked to appearances, Champions League qualification, and performance-related milestones.
Forest Left Fuming
The deal, while ultimately agreed upon, has sparked significant frustration among the Nottingham Forest hierarchy. Club insiders have revealed that Forest were “blindsided” by Tottenham’s discovery of the release clause, which was intended to remain confidential. There are suggestions that intermediaries may have leaked the clause’s existence, triggering Spurs’ swift pursuit.
Forest’s response was immediate, with senior club figures expressing anger at how the clause came to light. However, given Gibbs-White’s clear intention to move, and the risk of activating the clause without receiving any add-on value, Forest entered negotiations to ensure a structured deal that benefits them beyond the flat release figure.
Player’s Desire Key to Deal
Sources close to the player indicate that Gibbs-White was instrumental in pushing the move forward. The midfielder is said to be excited by the prospect of European football and working under Postecoglou’s high-intensity, attacking system. He reportedly informed Forest’s coaching staff earlier this week that he wished to pursue the opportunity, making it clear that he felt the time was right to take the next step in his career.
The player is now expected to fly to Portugal to link up with Spurs’ squad, where he will undergo a full medical and finalise personal terms. The announcement of the transfer is expected to be made official by the weekend.
A Major Statement of Intent
The acquisition of Gibbs-White represents a major statement from Tottenham, who have been active in reshaping their squad this summer. Following the arrival of Leeds’ Archie Gray and the permanent signing of Timo Werner, Gibbs-White becomes the club’s marquee signing of the window so far.
His versatility — capable of operating as a No.10, winger, or advanced central midfielder — will give Postecoglou a dynamic option in the final third, particularly in matches where Tottenham struggle to break down low blocks.
Gibbs-White enjoyed an impressive 2023–24 campaign with Forest, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists in the Premier League. His creativity, energy, and technical ability were central to Forest’s survival push, and his departure will undoubtedly leave a significant gap at the City Ground.
What Comes Next?
Tottenham are now expected to focus on midfield and defensive reinforcements, with further outgoings also anticipated. Giovani Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg could be among those moving on, freeing up space in midfield for Gibbs-White to take on a key role.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will now look to reinvest the funds, with manager Nuno Espírito Santo eyeing several attacking replacements as the club look to avoid another relegation battle next season.
Fans React
Spurs fans have taken to social media in delight at the news, praising the club’s ambition and the calibre of the signing. Many see Gibbs-White as the perfect fit for Postecoglou’s system and a player entering his prime with his best years ahead of him.
While the deal has stirred controversy behind the scenes, it marks a new chapter for Gibbs-White — and a bold new step forward for Tottenham’s evolving squad.
Stay tuned for more updates as Tottenham prepare to unveil Morgan Gibbs-White as their newest signing.
