‘Tottenham face transfer ban’ as explosive letter sent to Hotspur Way and Premier League
Tottenham could now face sanctions from the Premier League after events in recent days.
Spurs are showing more ambition in the transfer window than they have in recent years, with Mohammed Kudus joining from West Ham in a big-money deal.
However, Tottenham attempted to follow up that transfer with a move for Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White, but this has escalated into a messy situation.
Forest believe Tottenham’s approach to the England star was unlawful, and official complaints have now been raised, with the transfer in limbo.
Spurs could face punishment over Gibbs-White pursuit
Tottenham were believed to have activated a £60million release clause in Gibbs-White’s contract, and with the player keen on the move, a deal appeared on the verge of completion.
Nottingham Forest then moved to block the transfer, claiming that Spurs’ knowledge of the release clause was obtained illegally.
| Stats (Premier League) | Gibbs-White |
| Matches | 34 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Minutes played | 2,822 |
The Daily Mail (July 15, page 62) has now reported that Forest failed to resolve the row amicably, and have sent an “explosive” letter to Spurs and the Premier League.
If the Premier League investigates the move and finds Tottenham guilty of tapping up the midfielder, they could face a hefty fine or a transfer ban.
Thomas Frank’s plans disrupted by Gibbs-White saga
Spurs moved quickly for Gibbs-White after sealing the Kudus deal, and it is clear that new manager Thomas Frank wanted the England international in for the start of pre-season.
Frank will need as much time as possible with his full squad as he prepares for the Premier League campaign, and the best-case scenario of this pursuit is that it is delayed and Gibbs-White joins soon.
The midfielder has been outstanding for Forest, with 46 goal contributions in 118 games, and they are clearly determined to stop their captain from joining Spurs.
Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly furious at the 25-year-old’s decision to try and trade Forest for Tottenham after their campaign resulted in European qualification, and Spurs will now face a nervous wait for a resolution over this attempted transfer.
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