Gibbs-White to Tottenham takes major transfer twist as Forest seek legal advice
Tottenham were on the verge of signing Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, but there has now been a major twist.
Spurs have added Mohammed Kudus to their squad in recent days, and appeared to be going on a shock spending spree as they targeted Gibbs-White too.
Tottenham’s UEFA Europa League victory and subsequent return to the Champions League has meant there is some money to spend, but these two deals have been unprecedented, with the move for Gibbs-White emerging rapidly.
However, while Thomas Frank’s side prepare for the arrival of the England international, there has now been a huge twist as Nottingham Forest are taking action over the move.
Forest attempt to block Gibbs-White’s transfer to Tottenham
It has now emerged that despite Spurs activating a £60million release clause to sign Gibbs-White, Forest are attempting to stop the deal from happening.
Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett has reported via X (11 July) that Forest have stopped all communication with Spurs, as they believe the approach to sign Gibbs-White, without their permission, was unlawful.
| Morgan Gibbs-White’s 2024/25 Premier League statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 6.34 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Expected assists | 4.69 |
| Big chances created | 10 |
The news of the release clause in the 25-year-old’s contract came as a surprise to many, but a medical was quickly booked in before this new development.
“I’m told Nottingham Forest consider deal to take Gibbs-White to Tottenham is currently off – Forest consulting their lawyers over what they believe is an illegal approach. They never gave permission for talks and have cut all communications with Spurs. Unlikely they can block it, but definitely delayed,” Dorsee wrote.
Tottenham face a stand-off with Nottingham Forest
All three parties now find themselves in a difficult position, as Gibbs-White agreed to the move, much to the anger of Forest fans, while Spurs believe they acted lawfully by activating his release clause.
It is claimed that Forest are unlikely to be able to block the deal from happening, but this move will certainly delay what otherwise appeared to be a fast-moving transfer, which could have been finalised within a day.
Spurs will now hope that their approach is deemed legal, with the specifics of the release clause currently unknown, and that the transfer can go through after the public move to sign him.
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